Abstract
Additive manufacturing techniques, such as selective laser melting (SLM), enable the production of intricate and integrated components made from metallic materials with inherent porosity. The pores, typically perceived as defects, are commonly observed on the surface or within the matrix of SLM-formed components. However, it is noteworthy that these pores can function as reservoirs for lubricants to enhance tribological performance in specific applications, such as porous bearings. In this study, the optimum conditions for fabricating Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy porous bearings via SLM technology were investigated. By regulating laser power and hatch space during SLM processing, Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy porous bearings were successfully obtained. The resulting oil bearings exhibited an oil content exceeding 18% and a radial crushing strength surpassing 370 MPa. At reduced laser power (80 W) and increased hatch spacing (0.9 mm), average friction coefficients of 0.1 and 0.13 were observed, with volumetric wear values of 10.3 mm(3) and 96.7 mm(3), respectively. The friction mechanism is a combination of abrasive wear and delamination wear.