This is how powder bed fusion works

The heat source is applied to particles contained within a powder bed, which is slowly lowered as each layer is completed and new powder is spread over the build area. The powder bed is the actual build area in which feedstock, that is the bulk raw material is deposited. A thin layer of powder is spread across the completed section and the process is repeated with each layer adding to the last. After a few thousand cycles, depending on the height of the part, the built part is removed from the powder bed. When the 3D printed model is complete, unused powder is automatically or manually removed and may be reused.

Powder bed fusion processes such as selective laser sintering, selective laser melting and electron beam melting are classified as metal melting processes and all use a build platform containing powder material. These powder bed fusion processes share the basic principles of all additive manufacturing processes, for instance layer-by-layer fabrication with input from 3D model data. Powder bed fusion also shares common additive manufacturing advantages such as cost-effective customization and reduced assembly.

Höganäs’ portfolio for additive manufacturing includes a wide range of powders well suited for powder bed fusion techniques.

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