Laser Powder Bed Fusion

SLM Solutions is one of the leading manufacturers of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), additive manufacturing systems. The SLM 125 is a laboratory-scale unit, featuring a square 125 mm build platform that can print up to 120 mm in build height and a 400 W laser.  More specifications for the SLM 125 can be seen on this page: AM Machine Specifications. Among a long list of fusion-based additive manufacturing techniques, LPBF has emerged as the most mature, flexible, versatile, and widely adopted technique in the manufacturing industry due to its ability to produce precise, fully dense metal components directly.

We primarily focus on the application of LPBF to manufacturing components using titanium alloys. We also research and have an in-depth understanding of the correlation between the as-built microstructure, process parameters, and the effects of local geometric features. Additionally, we study the fatigue behavior of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy built using the LPBF technology. The group has also printed with SS 316L and looked at in situ alloying of metal powders during LPBF printing.

The U of U and IPX team apply LPBF technology to produce a range of titanium alloy parts.