Abstract
Surface pores of a closed-cell type aluminum foam were filled with aluminum powder by selective laser melting (SLM). The relationship between the laser irradiation conditions and solidification characteristics of aluminum powder was investigated with one-line laser irradiation. The aluminum powder was continuously melted and solidified with a laser spot diameter of 0.6 mm and a scanning speed of 10-20 mm/s. According to the successful melting and solidification conditions, SLM was applied to the surface pores of a closed-cell type aluminum foam supplied with aluminum powder. The supplied aluminum powder was melted and welded to the aluminum foam. As the result, the aluminum foam with nonporous surface layer (sandwich structure) was successfully fabricated.
