Laser-based powder bed fusion of alumina toughened zirconia

Alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ) parts were produced via a laser-based powder bed fusion technology using a conventional Nd-YAG continuous wave laser. The powder was produced using a spray drying process and the laser matter interaction was enhanced by a binder pyrolysis. A processing window led to part densities of over 90 %. Thermal post-processing to further increase the part density was investigated using dilatometry. The microstructure was analysed using X-ray powder diffraction measurements. The mechanical properties were assessed using a four-point bending test on ten specimens, reaching a bending strength of 31 +/- 11 MPa.