Description

L-PBF is a type of additive manufacturing process. An L-PBF printer forms a part using a laser to selectively melt metal powder. The technology is able to create strong parts with a high level of precision. Parts are often used in aerospace, automotive and medical applications.

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Examples of L-PBF printed parts. (Materflow)

Specifications

L-PBF uses metal powder with a typical particle size of 15 μm to 45 μm. Common materials include stainless steel, titanium, aluminium and Inconel (nickel-chromium alloy).

A common layer height for L-PBF is 30 μm. For comparison, a human hair is typically between 17 μm and 181 μm thick. Parts can be hundreds or even thousands of layers tall. The spot diameter of the laser is typically 0.1 mm. These specifications allow printed parts to have a very fine level of detail.

Process

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV8Q6bLrMTU

An animation which demonstrates how L-PBF printing works.

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A labelled diagram of an L-PBF printer.

Starting a Build

  1. The printer is turned on.
  2. The build plate is levelled and a thin layer of powder spread over the surface.
  3. The window which the laser exits through is cleaned.
  4. The build chamber doors are closed.