Towards direct metal laser fabrication of Cu-based shape memory alloys

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of producing Cu-based shape memory alloys (SMA) by means of direct metal laser fabrication (DMLF). Design/methodology/approach The fabrication approach consists of the combination of laser melting of a metallic powder with heating treatment in a controlled inert atmosphere. Three prospective Cu-Al-Ni alloy compositions were tested, and the effects of laser power, as well as laser exposure time, were verified. Findings All the processed materials were found to attain microstructures and phase change transformation temperatures typical of this type of SMA. Practical implications Further development of this technique will allow for fabrication of large elements with considerable shape memory effect, which are currently not viable due to high cost of nitinol. Originality/value This work showed a proof of concept toward the development of DMLF-based additive manufacturing of near net shape components of Cu-based SMAs from elemental powders.