Manufacturability of non-assembly joints fabricated in AlSi10Mg by selective laser melting

Selective Laser Melting is a promising Additive Manufacturing technology that makes possible the fabrication of complex metallic components up to the production of mechanisms in one technological operation without the need for a subsequent assembly. In order to permit the one-step fabrication of the joints, a lot of issues must be considered to preserve their functionalities. In this work some of these aspects are investigated in order to provide a manufacturability map of non-assembly joints taking into account the clearance, the joint shape and the building orientation. The results show multiple behaviors mainly affected by the dropping effect which is dependent upon the local stratification angle: a little inclination of the joint improves its functionality and widens the manufacturability window that permit to fabricate a working joint. The clearance and joint shape have combined effects on the torque necessary to move the joint.