Titanium and aluminum nitride synthesis via layer by layer LA-CVD

The possibility of the layer-by-layer synthesis of 3D parts from nitrides of titanium or aluminum by selective laser sintering/melting is discussed. The relationship between laser processing parameters and structure and phase content of sintered/melted samples are studied by means of optical metallography, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Optimal parameters of SLM process for AlN and TiN synthesis are determined. Solid 3D parts containing a TiN phase are produced from Ti powder. Distortion of the crystalline lattice of AlN and TiN phases is observed with the laser energy input.