The Effect of the Laser Incidence Angle in the Surface of L-PBF Processed Parts
Source abstract
Abstract
The manufacture of multiple parts on the same platform is a common procedure in the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) process. The main advantage is that the entire working volume of the machine is used and a greater number of parts are obtained, thus reducing inert gas volume, raw powder consumption, and manufacturing time. However, one of the main disadvantages of this method is the possible differences in quality and surface finish of the different parts manufactured on the same platform depending on their orientation and location, even if they are manufactured with the same process parameters and raw powder material. Throughout this study, these surface quality differences were studied, focusing on the variation of the surface roughness with the angle of incidence of the laser with respect to the platform. First, a characterization test was carried out to understand the behavior of the laser in the different areas of the platform. Then, the surface roughness, microstructure, and minimum thickness of vertical walls were analyzed in the different areas of the platform. These results were related to the angle of incidence of the laser. As it was observed, the laser is completely perpendicular only in the center of the platform, whilst at the border of the platform, due to the incidence angle, it melts an elliptical area, which affects the roughness and thickness of the manufactured part. The roughness increases from values of Sa = 5.489 μm in the central part of the platform to 27.473 μm at the outer borders while the thickness of the manufactured thin walls increases around 40 μm.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes · Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies · Manufacturing Process and Optimization
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Aerospace Advance Manufacturing Research Center-CFAA, P. Tecnológico de Bizkaia 202, 48170 Zamudio, Spain
EMEA AM Applications Manager, Renishaw Ibérica, Carrer de la Recerca 7, 08850 Barcelona, Spain
UO Structures & Statics, ITP Aero, P. Tecnológico de Bizkaia 300, 48170 Zamudio, Spain
Funding
Spanish Ministry of Industry and Competitiveness
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