Chapter 9 - Powder bed fusion

Abstract

The chapter relates to polymer powder bed fusion methods of additive manufacturing. In this part of the book some basics of 3D computer-aided design file preparation, slicing, and cross section filling were described. The polymer powder bed fusion process was presented, and variety of the machines explained with schemes. Powder bed fusion includes at least four additive manufacturing methods – two where material is fused with laser, one where material is fused with electrons, and one where the powder is fused with agent and energy. Here selective laser sintering and melting methods were characterized together with large database of available polymer materials (also composites) and their properties. Detailed information about variety of powders together with typical and potential applications for part manufacturing was presented. The manuscript gives in general insight to possibilities, advantages, and limitations of polymer powder bed fusion process.