Effect of process parameters on the texture evolution of Fe-6.5 wt% Si soft magnetic alloys manufactured via laser powder bed fusion

Numerous attempts have been made to manufacture high-Si steels using a laser powder bed fusion process. It has been established that controlling texture is critical to enhancing their magnetic properties. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to ascertain the texture evolution in Fe-Si alloys under various laser powers (P) and scanning speeds (V). The analysis revealed that texture formation in the fusion process is primarily influenced by two factors: P/V, the line energy density, and P/V, associated with enthalpy. Both the melt-pool sizes and the threshold value for the transition in melting mode were effectively characterized by the P/V term, while the P/V term proved essential for texture development under the same melting mode. In keyhole mode, an increase in P/V led to a transition from the {001} to the {111} texture. In conduction mode, an increase in P/V led to a transition from the {001} to the {001} texture, along with the development of a strong θ-fiber texture at intermediate P/V values. Furthermore, by examining the mechanisms behind the development of these textures, potential conditions for the development of a strong Goss texture were identified. Finally, significant improvements in magnetic properties were achieved through texture optimization. [Display omitted] •The texture development was significantly affected by the line energy density.•Strong θ-fiber texture, highly desirable for motor cores, was obtained.•Magnetic properties were substantially enhanced through texture optimization.