Compositional analysis of laser welds in a Cu46.5Zr46.5A7 glass forming alloy

Laser additive manufacturing is a promising manufacturing method of bulk metallic glasses. Study and understanding of the heat affected zone and fusion zones are crucial in developing this manufacturing technique. A cast Cu46.5Zr46.5A7 sample was processed at laser powers and scan speeds varying from 75-370W and 100-900 mm/s respectively to determine the effects of processing parameters on weld composition for use in additive manufacturing. Copper content was found to generally decrease through the weld fusion zone, and increase through the heat affected zone. Zinc was unexpectedly present in analysis. Cracking occurred at significantly different linear energy densities and appeared to correlate more strongly with laser power at these parameters, supporting previous research that using energy density alone to predict additive manufacturing processes.Undergraduat