Laser additive manufacturing processes like laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF), laser metal deposition (LMD) and selective laser sintering are the most commonly used 3D printing processes.
In order to form a 3D component layer by layer from metal wire or powder a thermal source is utilised to fuse and to join the droplets and the powder particles. During all these processes, industrial gases are required to protect the valuable hot substrate against the atmosphere and to adjust the properties of the components. Linde can ensure that the industrial gases and gas management systems used will fulfil specific manufacturing requirements.
The main processes in laser additive manufacturing: