JSC Laser Systems Successfully Applies SLM Technology for Pure Copper Printing

In 2024, the company demonstrated the results of its research work on additive melting of pure copper powders using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology.

Notably, high material density was achieved using the traditional laser source for this technology – a single-mode fiber ytterbium laser with a wavelength in the range of 1.06–1.07 µm. Quality melting of pure copper powders is a complex and challenging task because, in this spectral range, copper has a high reflection coefficient and high thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, the specialists at Laser Systems managed to develop a melting regime that achieved residual relative porosity in the range of 0.001% to 0.016%.

It is generally considered that laser sources in the blue-green spectral range, where the absorption coefficient is several times higher, are more suitable for effective melting of copper powders. However, high-power continuous lasers with high beam quality in this range are currently limited in availability. Nevertheless, as Laser Systems’ experience shows, this challenge can be effectively solved with traditional methods as well. In April 2024, JSC Laser Systems opened the Additive Technology Center, accepting commercial printing orders. Among other tasks, the center works on developing a database of melting regimes for promising materials for SLM technology.

This information was reported on the MashTech Telegram channel via the link.