Design and Implementation of a Process Chamber for Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Metals with Automated Recoating- and Powder Feed System
摘要
Laser-based powder bed fusion is under ongoing development to meet industrial requirements. The research largely concentrates on the interaction between the laser beam and the metal powder, as well as the resultant shape of the melt pool. This is accomplished by altering the energy distribution inside the laser beam. A plan for an experimental facility for this manufacturing technique was developed to facilitate fundamental research in this field. This facility aims to enhance comprehension of beam shaping and its effects on the melt pool and the resultant material properties. This study concentrates on a crucial element of the system: the process chamber. The powder material is kept and deposited layer by layer on a build platform within the process chamber. To guarantee a secure and consistent process, such a chamber must fulfill several characteristics. A proficient seal is necessary to create an oxygen-free environment and to inhibit the leakage of the protective gas from the circuit. The protective gas flow substantially influences process stability and requires optimization regarding flow rate and resultant flow velocity. The laser intake imposes specific requirements on optical coupling and environmental sealing. This article presents the principles developed for these three topics in depth. The outcomes of the experiments concerning the validation and optimization of the system components are analyzed and assessed.