Fabrication of particle reinforced copper matrix composites by selective laser sintering

The sub-micro WC-10%Co particle reinforced Cu matrix composites were prepared using selective laser sintering (SLS). The microstructures of the laser sintered samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). It shows that the WC reinforcing particles are either partially melted and smoothened or completely melted and in situ precipitated, showing continuous and compatible metallurgical interfaces with the matrix. The effects of the processing parameters such as laser power, scan speed, and layer thickness on the microstructures and properties of the laser sintered samples were investigated. It shows that increasing the laser power leads to an improvement in the bonding ability between the reinforcing particles and the matrix. An increase in the scan speed above 0.05m/s results in a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcing particles. Reducing the layer thickness below 0.30mm permits a high densification of the laser sintered part.