Electrochemical deposition of metal ions in porous laser sintered inter‐metallic and ceramic preforms

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a scientific understanding for electrochemical infiltration of laser sintered (LS) preforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Electrochemical deposition techniques were modified to induce infiltration of nickel ions inside porous LS structures with deposition on pore walls.

Findings

This novel process is feasible and has the potential to produce fully dense parts. Both conductive and non‐conductive preforms can be infiltrated by this method.

Research limitations/implications

Removal of trapped fluids and gases inside the porous structure is one of the major challenges in the described electrochemical infiltration process.

Practical implications

This work enables low‐cost production of structural parts. It expands the application base for additive manufacturing, especially laser sintering technology.

Social implications

The novel process carried out in this research is energy efficient when compared to state‐of‐the‐art vacuum‐melt infiltration.

Originality/value

The proposed process is a novel method for facilitating room‐temperature infiltration of porous LS preforms.

Citation

Goel, A. and Bourell, D. (2011), "Electrochemical deposition of metal ions in porous laser sintered inter‐metallic and ceramic preforms", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 181-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552541111124752