Continuous Laser Scan Strategy for Faster Build Speeds in Laser Powder Bed Fusion System

Published

August 9, 2017

Author(s)

Ho Yeung, Brandon Lane, Jason Fox, Felix Kim, Jarred C. Heigel, Jorge Neira

Abstract

Research has shown significant influence of laser scan strategy on various part qualities in the laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process. The National Institute of Standards and Technology developed the Additive Manufacturing Metrology Testbed, which provides open architecture for flexible control and monitoring during a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process. This allows extended control of scan strategies, including control of laser power and speed within each scan line. A 'continuous' scan strategy can reduce build times and improve throughput by negating the need to turn the laser off between scan tracks (e.g., sky-writing). Less frequent laser power interruption can potentially improve the melt-pool continuity, too. Multiple experiments are performed utilizing the continuous and traditional scan strategies, and comparisons are made between build time and measured melt-pool qualities.

Conference Dates

August 7-10, 2017

Conference Location

Austin, TX, US

Conference Title

The 28th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium

Pub Type

Conferences

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Local Download

Keywords

additive manufacturing, Laser powder bed fusion, Scan Strategy, Melt-pool measurement

Citation

Yeung, H. , Lane, B. , Fox, J. , Kim, F. , Heigel, J. and Neira, J. (2017), Continuous Laser Scan Strategy for Faster Build Speeds in Laser Powder Bed Fusion System, The 28th Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin, TX, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=924073 (Accessed October 17, 2025)