PBF-LB/M
Laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) describes an additive manufacturing (AM) process and offers an additional manufacturing option alongside established processes.
In PBF-LB/M process, metal parts are produced layer by layer, where every metal powder layer is selectively and fully melted with laser beam.
PBF-LB/M has the potential to reduce manufacturing time and costs, and increase part functionality. With this technology, part geometries can be produced that are difficult or impossible to produce with traditional methods such as drilling, turning, milling, and casting.
The use of PBF-LB/M offers designers and manufacturers a high degree of freedom without the limitations associated with conventional processes. But this requires an understanding about the possibilities and limitations of the process.