Efficient process parameter optimisation procedure in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Efficient process parameter optimisation procedure in Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Date
2021
Authors
Montero-Sistiaga, M.L.
Smit, M.J. de
Haagsma, R.L.
Bennett, I.J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Netherlands Aerospace Centre NLR
Abstract
Important properties such as porosity, microstructure and surface roughness of metal parts produced by Laser
Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) are largely determined by process parameters including laser power, scan speed, distance
between scan lines and layer thickness. L-PBF parameter optimisation methods are now generally based on the
production of an array of samples where the laser power and scan speed are varied. A large number of samples needs
to be analysed for selecting a suitable combination of parameters. This makes parameter optimisation for L-PBF
complicated and time consuming. In this work, an efficient procedure is proposed for optimising the key parameters
of the laser scan pattern. Build files for samples are generated, which cover a predefined parameter range. Scripts are
used for automated evaluation of optical microscope images of cross-sections. This procedure allows variation of
parameters within a sample and thereby strongly reduces the required number of samples and time for parameter
optimisation.
Description
This report is based on a presentation to be held at
European Powder Metallurgy Congress & Exhibition
(EuroPM2021), virtual, 18-22 October 2021.