Powder bed selective laser processing (sintering / melting) of Yttrium Stabilized Zirconia using carbon-based material (TiC) as absorbance enhancer

This study aimed to process 8 mol.% yttrium stabilized zirconia by powder bed selective laser processing, as well known sintering / melting. Titanium carbide was used absorbance enhancer a Nd:YAG laser. chosen for having the lowest weight ratio among four additive options: silicon carbide, carbon black, graphite, and titanium carbide. Several trials were performed using 0,25 wt.% of zirconia, testing different powers, speeds, strategies, hatch distances designs. A window optimized parameters identified within conditions, capable manufacturing parts with high relative density. In addition, challenges technical aspects are discussed analyzing observed phenomena.