Lasers in additive manufacturing

Němeček Stanislav - University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (Czech Republic)

Without lasers, there would be no additive manufacturing of metal parts. Both PBF (powder bed fusion) and DED (direct energy deposition) methods use a laser beam to sinter the metal powder. This paper discusses the thermal effects on the material during the formation of individual layers and printing of tool steels. Attention is paid to the printing strategy as well as the influence of the subsequent heat treatment on the resulting properties, which are correlated with the properties those of commonly used.