Powder Bed Fusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is Powder Bed Fusion?
A
Uses thermal energy to selectively fuse regions of a powder bed
2
Q
Subcategories?
A
a) Selective Laser Sintering SLS
b) Selective Laser Melting SLM
3
Q
Selective laser Sintering process? SLS
A
a) Powder bed heated close to sintering temp using IP heaters. Loose particles are heated above sintering temp using laser beam.
4
Q
Selective laser melting process? SLM
A
b) Same but greater energy input as laser melts powder
5
Q
Materials?
A
SLS: Polymers
SLM: Metals
6
Q
Post processing?
A
Removal of unsintered powder
7
Q
Strengths
A
Bespoke geometries Recyclable powder a) Pol powders easy to produce No supports needed as unfused powder acts as support Tough parts – functional Can fill whole build volume b) common eng mats - no additives Heat treated as standard metal Dense components
8
Q
Limitations
A
Higher energy input Dust and particle control Trapped volumes = issue Rough surfaces Stresses may be set up during cooling Can take many hours Support structures required to dissipate heat
