Synthesis of a 316l Stainless Steel – Copper Composite by Laser Cladding

This paper demonstrates a selective laser melting method to produce a metal matrix composite capable of enhancing the thermal conductivity of 316L stainless steel using a jettable Cu ink. A novel canister for controlling the atmosphere surrounding a powder bed during selective laser melting, was used to simulate a hybrid inkjet-powder bed fusion technique for doping Cu ink. The thermal conductivity of the composite was found to be 187% higher than that of 316L stainless steel. Microstructural results show opportunities to further enhance the thermal conductivity of stainless steel by eliminating solidification cracking