Numerical prediction of lack-of-fusion defects in selective laser melted AlSi10Mg alloy

Despite the emerging research, it is still troublesome to control the defect formation in selective laser melted parts. In this paper, a mechano-thermo-fluid dynamical FEM model at meso-scale was proposed. The model calculates and predicts the volume and dimensions of lack-of-fusion (LOF) defects according to the applied process parameters. The numerical model was validated with experimentally assessed volume of lack-of-fusion defects and melt pool dimensions. Results shown the lowest volume of LOF defects (0.41%) in specimen produced with 275 W and scanning speed of 400 mm/s. Laser power was determined as a parameter majorly impacting the volume and dimensions of LOF in selective laser melted parts.