Structural evolutions in 3D-printed Fe-based metallic glass fabricated by selective laser melting

The mechanisms of microstructural evolution in amorphous alloys during the selective laser melting process are crucial for modulating the properties of 3D-printed parts. Here, a map is constructed that illustrates the effect of laser energy density on structural evolution. Experiments combined with finite element method simulations reveal that high energy density leads to substantial crystallization. A mathematical model based on the phase transformation curves has been put forward to roughly predict the amorphous content in 3D-printed bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) under various process parameters. The present results provide guidance to optimize the process parameters to achieve desirable microstructures and properties of 3D-printed BMGs.