Laser beam shaping effects to quality and productivity in Laser powder bed fusion technology

Abstract

Laser powder bed fusion (BPF-LB/M) process has over 100 process parameters. In this literature review the effects of laser beam shaping to BPF-LB/M are studied beside of main parameters. Considered effects are quality factors and the properties that can be applied to industry. Quality factors considered are microstructure, mechanical properties, and geometrical accuracy. How laser beam shaping effects to high power processing, productivity and build rate has been viewed from industrial point of view. Laser beam modes which are compared are Gaussian, elliptical, Top-hat, donut, and multimode laser. Depending about the literature, the method varies from literature review to experimental approach. Because of the lack of research papers, the laser power, materials, and laser beam mode reported varies from each other. Today there is no good literature review about the laser beam effects compared to quality and productivity because those usually conflicts and needs more research.