Selective laser melting of metal structures onto graphite substrates via a low melting point interlayer alloy

We demonstrate a process to selective laser melt metal alloy directly onto graphite. The heat transfer applications of features printed annealed pyrolytic graphite are compelling, as has the second highest in-plane thermal conductivity (>1500 W/m-K at room temperature) any bulk material. While bonding alloys commonly used in melting (SLM) with is relatively weak, proper interlayer material drastically improves wetting and bonding. challenge that typically bond require extended times elevated temperatures (minutes hours), while SLM delivers only brief exposures high (?100 µs). In this paper, we employ Sn3Ag4Ti rapidly forms nanometer-thin layer TiC, verified by transmission electron microscopy. influence properties on interfacial strength shown mechanical testing simulations melting.