Laser for Magnesium: the influence of laser wavelength, and feedstock quality on the optical properties of Mg alloy for industrial needs

The overall aim of the project is to obtain the most optimum laser characteristics that will improve the ability to process Mg alloys for laser based additive manufacturing method, which currently suffers immensely due to excessive evaporation of the powder feedstock. Lasers are a form of monochromatic electromagnetic radiation, that interact with each metal differently.

In selective laser melting (SLM) process, when laser energy is applied to the Mg powder, two primary processes occur: absorption and reflectance. The laser wavelength determines the degree of absorption in the metal powder.

Due to low absorbance of traditional yttrium doped fiber laser in infrared range, and low thermal conductivity, Mg processing requires using high power lasers that leads to rapid evaporation of Mg when the laser hits the melt pool.

To accomplish these goals, optical spectral absorbance properties of magnesium and its alloys in various forms (plate, block, powder) will be studied using UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy.

Effect of laser characteristics such as mode, power and wavelength on the absorbance response and process stability will be characterized.

The impact of powder particle size distribution, plate thickness, surface quality, alloy compositions on laser-material interaction will be studied.

The results will be used to obtain the highest success process window.The project will create valuable knowledge for use in the field of SLM of Mg alloys.

The existing scientific gaps and technological challenges associated with laser treatment of Mg alloys will be filled and sustained by commercialization by the researcher's current employer.

The research plan is designed to solve an outstanding problem in the industry and will improve the long term employability of the researcher with his employer in Europe.

The potential resulting technology will be a leap in the field of laser treatment of magnesium, increasing industrial capacity in EU and stimulate further R&D&I efforts. host name