IMPACT OF HEAT TREATMENTS ON THE CORROSION RESISTANCE OF A BIOCOMPATIBLE CO–CR–W ALLOY FABRICATED BY SLM

Selective laser melting is one of the most common additive manufacturing technologies, appreciated for its precision and accuracy in the fabrication of complex tridimensional parts from metallic powders, by tridimensional computer-assisted design (CAD-3D). The parts fabricated by this method have a remarkable wear and corrosion resistance, high hardness and good fiability. This manufacturing technology has been applied in various fields, such as automotive industry, aerospace sector and medical field (for bone prostheses and dental applications). The process involves the total melting of the metallic powder by means of a laser beam, the energy and power of which can be controlled. Subsequently, the material solidifies from the liquid phase and the physical-chemical and mechanical characteristics of the finished products are influenced by the technological parameters used in the process. The heat treatments applied to the processed parts, especially those for medical applications, are meant to reduce internal stresses, to improve the microstructure with favorable effects on the material’s corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. In this way, the exploitation sustainability of the implants and medical devices, processed through selective laser melting, from Co-Cr-W alloy powders, can be improved