Process development and characterization of additively manufactured nickel-titanium shape memory parts

Additive manufacturing of nickel-titanium has two distinct advantages over conventional methods. It circumvents the difficulties associated with machining of nickel-titanium and it provides a freedom-of-design that conventional processing cannot match. In this article, we analyze the effects of processing parameters on the structural and functional outcomes of selective laser melted nickel-titanium parts. Notably, we expand the parametric envelope compared to the previous studies by utilizing a higher power 300W laser. Optimal process parameters are identified for additively manufacturing of nickel-titanium parts with verified shape memory behavior and complex structures with accurate features are fabricated.