[T6] AM Beam Based Technologies

[16B-T6-33] Study on Spherical Ta Powder Preparation Using Radio Frequency Plasma Spheroidization and Its Selective Laser Melting

*Q. Shi^{1, 2}, X. Liu^{1, 2}, C. Tan^{1, 2}, Z. Shen^{1, 2}, H. Xie^{1, 2} (1.Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China, 2.National Engineering Research Center of Powder Metallurgy of Titanium & Rare Metals, China)

Keywords:Selective laser melting, Radio frequency plasma spheroidization , Hot isostatic pressing, Tantalum

Tantalum (Ta) has been considered as a promising biomaterial in medical applications because of its high corrosion resistance and extraordinary biocompatibility. The rapid development of additive manufacturing techniques provides a technology route to fabricate porous structured Ta parts with complex shape. In this study, spherical Ta powder was prepared using radio frequency plasma spheroidization, and the influences of plasma parameters were discussed. Porous and dense Ta parts were fabricated using selective laser melting, and the subsequent hot isostatic pressing was conducted. The microstructure characterization showed equiaxed grain structure at the top cross section and lamellar grains grew along the building direction. The mechanical properties, including compressive, tensile and fatigue tests were detailed investigated. The results indicated that the oxygen content had significant strengthening effect, and the HIP process increased the fatigue performance. This work would provide a comprehensive prospective on additively manufacturing processed Ta parts.