Under high-volume melting, rapid processing conditions, spatter formation seems to be part and parcel of powder-bed laser-based fusion technology. Three types of spatter particles have been identified:
|
Depending on the mechanism involved in its creation, each type of particles has specific physical characteristics that can impact powder recyclability and contribute defects to the final products. Two key mechanisms are responsible for spatter formation and powder bed denudation in the vicinity of the laser track. Let’s have a look at these.