Gases & Application Technologies for Powder Bed Fusion with Laser Beam

Essential Role of Gases in PBF-LB

Powder bed fusion with laser beam (PBF-LB) is an advanced additive manufacturing (AM) process offering many advantages in the production of intricate geometries and precise lattice structures. Also known as laser powder bed fusion, it is ideal for high-value products where geometry resolution is more important than deposition speed. Typical examples include turbine blades with internal cooling channels for the energy industry. It is also popular in the medical sector, where it is used to 3D print personalized implants where a high degree of design freedom is required.

In PBF-LB chambers, the process atmosphere must be protected against air contamination as the high-power laser beam scans over the powder bed, melting and joining the powder into the required shape as it moves. Typically based on argon, this atmosphere plays a key role in avoiding oxidation and discoloration, and in creating a part with the desired mechanical properties such as integrity and tensile strength. Additionally, the process gas composition can influence heat transfer and spatter formation, and even mitigate atmosphere contamination caused by gases that evaporated from the powder.

Our protective atmospheres can help you optimize PBF-LB printing outcomes when working with materials such as:

• Titanium
• Stainless steel
• Maraging steel
• Aluminum
• Cobalt-chrome
• Nickel-based alloys
• Copper

End-to-End Service for PBF-LB

We supply industrial gases, bespoke gas mixtures and gas management systems tailored to the requirements of PBF-LB. Whether you opt for gaseous/liquid argon or our dedicated ADDvance^® Laser230 argon/helium blend, you can trust in our expertise to help you create the appropriate inert atmosphere for your PBF-LB processes and take performance to the next level. Our AM experts would also be happy to help with the following:

• Consulting expertise on the process gases best suited to your application and expectations
• Design, provisioning and installation of your gas supply system
• Precise gas atmosphere control with ADDvance^® O₂ precision
• Secure storage of valuable LPBP powders with ADDvance^® powder cabinet
• Linde green argon to support decarbonization of PBF-LB
• Digital gas data for documentation of Industry 4.0 workflows
• On-site support - process and/or technical support
• On-stream gas system - design and maintenance services
• Gas safety - equipment, safety checks and training