Selective Laser Melting of Li2O.Al2O 3.SiO2(LAS) Glass Powders

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of selective laser melting of glass powders without the addition of any binders to form a bulk glass part. Amorphous glass powders of lithium aluminosilicate, Li2O.Al 2O3.SiO2, were fabricated by conventional melting of raw materials, followed by grinding, and mechanical milling. Selective laser melting of the glass powders was carried out, using a CO 2 laser. Relatively dense parts could be fabricated if the process parameters, such as starting powder particle size, laser power and laser scan speed, were optimized. Phase analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the amorphous nature of the laser-melted part. Thermal analysis was also carried out to ascertain the crystallization temperature for the formation of glass-ceramics.