Laser Powder Bed Fusion
LPBF / SLM Standard Particle Size Distribution10 — 60 μm
Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), also known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), is a metal 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively melt and fuse metal powder particles together to create a solid part.
In LPBF/SLM, a layer of metal powder is deposited onto a build platform. The high-power laser is then used to selectively melt and fuse the powder particles together, layer by layer, until the part is complete. The process is performed in a controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation and ensure high-quality part production.
Applications
LPBF/SLM is used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial manufacturing. It is particularly useful in applications that require high-strength, high-temperature-resistant parts with complex geometries. LPBF/SLM can also be used for rapid prototyping, tooling, and customization applications.
Benefits
Design flexibility
LPBF/SLM enables the creation of complex geometries and intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.
High precision
LPBF/SLM can produce parts with high accuracy and detail, making it useful for creating parts with tight tolerances.
Material flexibility
LPBF/SLM can be used with a wide range of materials, including various metals and alloys, giving designers and engineers more material choices.
Reduced waste
LPBF/SLM only uses the exact amount of material needed to produce a part, reducing waste and saving on material costs.
Find your technology
Metal powders are widely used in various industries, including additive manufacturing, metallurgy, and coatings.
The particle size distribution (PSD) of metal powders plays a crucial role in determining the final properties of the end product.
Different metal powder technologies are available with varying PSDs to cater to specific applications.