There are primarily two different types of experiments performed using this system: single layer experiments or 3D part builds. The following provides a brief overview of each type of experiment. Please follow each link to a list of available experiments and datasets for each type of experiment.
The single layer and experiments consist of the laser creating single scan tracks or scanning back and forth to cover an area. These experiments are performed either with or without a thin layer of powder and are intended to provide insight into the laser and material interaction. Some of the samples created are cross-sectioned afterwards to allow the melt pool These types of measurements can be used to validate model assumptions that account for the energy balance of the process.
The 3D part builds are more complex and provide a large amount of data acquired during the fabrication of metal 3D parts. Since each layer is re-melted or re-heated and covered by the next layer, it is difficult to directly correlate the XXX.
The figure below provides an example of a part created during one of these studies and a thermal video acquired during one of the layers.