Additive Manufacturing of Co-Ni-Ga High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloy: Processability and Phase Transformation Behavior

Co-Ni-Ga high-temperature shape memory alloy is additively processed by selective laser melting for the first time. Reversible martensitic transformation of the as-built material is proven by differential scanning calorimetry. Microstructural analysis reveals a columnar-grained microstructure resulting from epitaxial solidification. Columnar-grained microstructures are characterized by a very low degree of constraints being beneficial for superior functional performance in numerous shape memory alloys. However, process-induced crack formation remains a challenge towards robust realization of adequate conditions showing good mechanical properties