Abstract: In order to solve the problem of narrow process window in the forming process of amorphous materials, a new additive manufacturing method using metallic glass ribbon as raw material, applying fast electric pulse and micro pressure is proposed. The manufacturing of amorphous material special-shaped components with small power is successfully realized and the process is optimized and regulated through dynamic resistance analysis. The principle of thermoplastic forming of amorphous materials is realized by accurately regulating the heat input by pulse power supply, that is, when the critical temperature is slightly higher than the glass transition temperature (T_G), but far lower than the melting temperature (T_L), the material can be softened by rapid heating to T_G, supplemented by low pressure forming, while providing a sufficiently high cooling rate, and the nucleation of crystalline phase can be completely inhibited. Further, the samples formed by this method were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The test results show that the printing bonding part still maintains the original amorphous structure and has high tensile strength. Because its forming power is low and without needing crucial atmospheric conditions, such as vacuum or inert gas, this method can become an attractive solution for additive manufacturing of amorphous materials and space manufacturing of metal materials, and also it can be applied to 3D printing of special-shaped amorphous components, e.g., those used in electromagnetic shielding devices.

Key words: additive manufacturing, 3D printing, amorphous material, metallic glass ribbon, electric-pulse heating