The fabrication of NiTi shape memory alloy by selective laser melting: a review

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the use of high performing materials, and application of additive manufacturing technology for industrial production has witnessed a steady rise and its expanse is only to increase in the future. “Selective laser melting (SLM) technique” for an exotic nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy (SMA) is expected to a great facilitator to research in this area. The purpose of this paper is to put forth the research direction of NiTi shape memory alloy by selective laser melting.

Design/methodology/approach

This review also summaries and skims out the information on process equipment, adopted methodologies/strategies, effects of process parameters on important responses e.g. microstructure and comprehensive functional and mechanical properties of SLM-NiTi. In particular, the functional characteristics (i.e. shape memory effects and super-elasticity behavior), process analysis and application status are discussed.

Findings

Current progresses and challenges in fabricating NiTi-SMA of SLM technology are presented.

Practical implications

This review is a useful tool for professional and researchers with an interest in the field of SLM of NiTi-SMA.

Originality/value

This review provides a comprehensive review of the publications related to the SLM techniques of NiTi-SMA while highlighting current challenges and methods of solving them.

Citation

Chen, X., Liu, K., Guo, W., Gangil, N., Siddiquee, A.N. and Konovalov, S. (2019), "The fabrication of NiTi shape memory alloy by selective laser melting: a review", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 25 No. 8, pp. 1421-1432. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-11-2018-0292