Analysis of co-relation on LPBF process parameter on wear characteristics of Cu-Cr-Zr alloy

Abstract

Copper alloy bearings, gears, and fasteners have a significant impact on industrial sectors. However, due to the defect formation and void generation during the manufacturing of copper alloy parts using (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) LPBF technique, the wear resistance of the copper alloy was significantly affected. Hence, the prime novelty of the current research is enhancing wear resistance by analyzing the interaction of combined LPBF parameters. In order to decrease cavity forms and reduce the wear rate of the printed Cu alloy components, the important LPBF process parameters such as Scan Velocity (SV) of 550, 750, and 950 mm s−1, Laser Power (LP) of 460, 540, and 620 W, and Re-melting Range (RR) of 5, 25, and 45% were selected and studied. The results of the experimental investigation were supported by the use of Grey Relation Analysis (GRA). A comparative study was conducted with five distinct parameter combinations to investigate the relative influence of each parameter on the relative density, wear rate and elastic modulus. The research findings verify that the application of optimal SV of 750 mm s−1 and RR of 45% with maximum LP of 460 W resulted in the maximum relative density of 99.91%, minimal wear rate of 0.52 × 10−5 mm3/Nm, and maximum elastic modulus of 140.22 GPa.