{"id":10501,"date":"2021-11-16T15:58:19","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T13:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/the-powder-bed-fusion-pbf-additive-manufacturing-process\/"},"modified":"2022-02-16T13:42:55","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T11:42:55","slug":"the-powder-bed-fusion-pbf-additive-manufacturing-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/en\/the-powder-bed-fusion-pbf-additive-manufacturing-process\/","title":{"rendered":"The Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
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  1. The Powder Bed Fusion<\/em> (PBF) additive manufacturing process<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. PBF technology, step by step<\/a>\n
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    1. Creation of the 3D model<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. Part cutting – .STL format<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Print<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. Scanning<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. Cooling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    6. Post-processing<\/a><\/li>\n
    7. PBF manufacturing possibilities at Mizar<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      T<\/a>hat uses Powder Bed Fusion<\/em><\/a><\/span> is an advanced additive manufacturing process that uses a high energy source<\/strong>(mainly lasers or electrons) to fuse powder particles layer by layer, resulting in a solid part. This technology allows us to generate<\/strong>parts in metal alloys or thermoplastic polymers<\/strong>, in a very<\/strong><\/p>\n

      PBF manufacturing technologies<\/strong> share the basic principles of all additive manufacturing techniques and have common advantages such as extensive customization possibilities and simplification in terms of assembly. On the other hand, their specificities make them perfect for the production of complexgeometries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Such characteristics have made this technology extremely popular for the production of high-value parts<\/strong> that are technically unfeasible through traditional manufacturing processes. The aerospace<\/strong>, automotive<\/strong>and medical<\/strong>sectors are recurrent users of this technology, which has shorter production times.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mizaradditive.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/PROCESO-FA-PBF-1.webp” alt=”PROCESO FA PBF (1)” title_text=”PROCESO FA PBF (1)” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

      <\/a>PBF technology step-by-step<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Powder Bed Fusion<\/em> (PBF) manufacturing process consists of 5 steps to the final product:<\/p>\n

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      1. <\/strong><\/span><\/a>Creation of the 3D model<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        The additive manufacturing process begins with the creation of a 3D model<\/strong> through CAD<\/strong>(Computer-Assisted Design<\/em>). Computer-aided design is the use of computer programs<\/strong> to create, modify and analyse three-dimensional (also two-dimensional) graphical representations of physical objects.<\/span><\/p>\n

        There are several methods of additive manufacturing design<\/strong>that will be used depending on the objectives <\/strong>that are set (increase the mechanical properties of the part, reduce its weight, minimize the number of components, etc.). Likewise, in the design phase, it is convenient to integrate the simulation of the manufacturing process<\/strong> in order to draw conclusions about the behaviour of the part and minimise the appearance of possible defects.<\/p>\n

        This process begins with the creation of a 3D draft mode<\/strong>l and continues with the application of loads<\/strong>or forces on the part. Thanks to these actions we know how to optimally <\/strong>distribute <\/strong>the material in a given volume<\/strong> subjected to different mechanical stresses<\/strong> . This is done with software that calculates the applied stresses.<\/p>\n

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        1. <\/strong><\/span><\/a>Part cutting – .STL format<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Once this model is created, it is converted to .STL format<\/strong> (or .AMF \/ .3MF, newer formats), which is a triangulated representation<\/strong> of a 3D CAD model. <\/span><\/p>\n

          The three-dimensional model is divided<\/strong> into layers (slicing<\/em>).<\/span> Previously, it will be necessary to define the orientation<\/strong> of the machine or construction and to determine whether there will be supporting structures<\/strong> (which may be necessary for deposition of layers in near-horizontal orientations).<\/span><\/p>\n

          The information is sent to the printer<\/strong>, where the coating unit covers the platform with a powder coating<\/strong>. The optimum thickness<\/strong> of each layer of powder spread depends on the processing conditions and the material used, but generally ranges from\u00a0 <\/span>20 to 60 microns.<\/strong><\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

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          1. <\/strong><\/span><\/a>Print<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            The printing process starts with the filling of the chamber<\/strong> of the printer with an inert gas<\/strong> (usually Argon or Nitrogen) to prevent oxidation of the material during fusing.<\/p>\n

            Subsequently, the printer is heated<\/strong> to the optimum printing temperature . The Powder Bed Fusion printers<\/strong> consist of two chambers<\/strong>, one powder chamber and one build chamber with a roller or knife to spread the powder on the platform.<\/p>\n

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            1. <\/a>Scanning<\/strong><\/span> <\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              The fiber optic laser<\/strong> (200\/400 W) scans <\/strong>the cross section of the part, fusing <\/strong>the metallic particles <\/strong>together. When the layer is finished, the platform is moved down<\/strong>, allowing another layer of powder to be added.<\/strong> The operation is repeated <\/strong>until the final piece<\/strong> is obtained.<\/p>\n

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              1. <\/strong><\/span><\/a>Cooling<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                The 3D printer <\/strong><\/span>is allowed to cool <\/strong>\u00a0and the unmelted powderis removed from the tray to view the printed part.<\/strong> The workpiece is fixed to the build plate by means of the printing supports.<\/strong><\/p>\n

                <\/a>Post-processing<\/strong><\/p>\n

                Post-processing of the Powder Bed Fusion<\/em> (PBF) technology includes the following steps:<\/p>\n