Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing

Abstract Additive manufacturing demands precise control of track formation and process parameters. Here we show a unified mathematical framework that links key variables to track geometry: we derive analytical expressions for solid and liquid contact angles, introduce dimensionless wetting shape fac...

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Main Authors: Mahdi Alishavandi, Rahmi Ünal, Metin Uymaz Salamci
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Communications Materials
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-025-00862-8
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author Mahdi Alishavandi
Rahmi Ünal
Metin Uymaz Salamci
author_facet Mahdi Alishavandi
Rahmi Ünal
Metin Uymaz Salamci
author_sort Mahdi Alishavandi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Additive manufacturing demands precise control of track formation and process parameters. Here we show a unified mathematical framework that links key variables to track geometry: we derive analytical expressions for solid and liquid contact angles, introduce dimensionless wetting shape factors to compute segment area and volume, and develop quadratic models relating powder layer thickness to track width and height. We further present a normalized enthalpy formulation that correlates laser energy input with melt pool depth and absorption, enabling prediction of the transition from single-track behavior to steady-state and the derivation of optimal hatch spacing. Validation on IN625, IN738LC, AA1000, and Al10SiMg powders reveals excellent agreement between predicted and measured track morphologies in conduction and keyhole modes. Although tailored for laser powder bed fusion, this framework is broadly applicable across additive manufacturing processes, offering a robust tool for process optimization, in situ monitoring, and quality control.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2662-4443
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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series Communications Materials
spelling doaj-art-e47d739f3f8948d783cae3eade81cf6c2025-08-20T03:42:56ZengNature PortfolioCommunications Materials2662-44432025-07-016111610.1038/s43246-025-00862-8Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturingMahdi Alishavandi0Rahmi Ünal1Metin Uymaz Salamci2Additive Manufacturing Technologies Application and Research Center (EKTAM), Gazi UniversityAdditive Manufacturing Technologies Application and Research Center (EKTAM), Gazi UniversityAdditive Manufacturing Technologies Application and Research Center (EKTAM), Gazi UniversityAbstract Additive manufacturing demands precise control of track formation and process parameters. Here we show a unified mathematical framework that links key variables to track geometry: we derive analytical expressions for solid and liquid contact angles, introduce dimensionless wetting shape factors to compute segment area and volume, and develop quadratic models relating powder layer thickness to track width and height. We further present a normalized enthalpy formulation that correlates laser energy input with melt pool depth and absorption, enabling prediction of the transition from single-track behavior to steady-state and the derivation of optimal hatch spacing. Validation on IN625, IN738LC, AA1000, and Al10SiMg powders reveals excellent agreement between predicted and measured track morphologies in conduction and keyhole modes. Although tailored for laser powder bed fusion, this framework is broadly applicable across additive manufacturing processes, offering a robust tool for process optimization, in situ monitoring, and quality control.https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-025-00862-8
spellingShingle Mahdi Alishavandi
Rahmi Ünal
Metin Uymaz Salamci
Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
Communications Materials
title Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
title_full Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
title_fullStr Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
title_full_unstemmed Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
title_short Mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
title_sort mathematical approaches for track analysis and process optimization in additive manufacturing
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-025-00862-8
work_keys_str_mv AT mahdialishavandi mathematicalapproachesfortrackanalysisandprocessoptimizationinadditivemanufacturing
AT rahmiunal mathematicalapproachesfortrackanalysisandprocessoptimizationinadditivemanufacturing
AT metinuymazsalamci mathematicalapproachesfortrackanalysisandprocessoptimizationinadditivemanufacturing