Powder Bed Fusion

Process description

Although it can use a number of different materials the main use of powder bed fusion is being a convenient way to print metal parts. spreading a layer a powdered material over the entire print surface, and then selectively melting the sections that will be in the final part. another layer is then added on top of the last repeating the process until the part is completed.

strengths

• built in support system: The excess powder supports the print so there's no need to add printed supports
• in house metal components: PBF can be small enough to fit into a variety of spaces. this allows for organizations to create metal prototypes

weaknesses

• High energy use: melting metal takes much more energy then melting thermoplastics.
• Surface finish: Powder bed fusion generally has a rough surface finish that mimics the grain size of the material.
• material properties: the way that parts are formed creates a weaker grain structure then a cast part made out of the same material.

Technologies

There are a number of specific technologies that can vastly change to capabilities of a printer.