An Automatic on Top Analysis of Single Scan Tracks to Evaluate the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Building Parameters

The production of dense samples produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is mainly determined by the choice of the best combination of construction parameters. Parameter optimization is the first step in the definition of an LPBF process for new alloys or systems. With this goal, much research uses the single scan track (SST) approach for a preliminary parameter screening. This study investigates the definition of a computer-aided method by using an automatic on top analysis for the characterization of SSTs, with the aim of finding ranges of laser power and scan speed values for massive production. An innovative algorithm was implemented to discard non-continuous scans and to measure the SSTs quality using three regularity indexes. Only open source software were used to fine tune this approach. The obtained results on Al4Cu and AlSi10Mg realized with two different commercial systems suggest that it is possible to use this method to easily narrow the process parameter window that allows the production of dense samples.

Automated summary

The production of dense samples using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) relies on the optimal combination of construction parameters, with parameter optimization being the first step in defining the LPBF process. Research utilizing the single scan track (SST) approach aims to narrow down ranges of laser power and scan speed values for mass production. By implementing an innovative algorithm for SST characterization and quality evaluation, it is possible to easily identify the process parameter window that allows for the production of dense samples.