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Process · Powder Bed Fusion

PBF technology.
SLS. MJF. DMLS.
3D printing process.

Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) — laser/jet/electron beam fuses powder layer by layer. SLS, MJF for plastic. DMLS, EBM for metal. Industrial 3D printing standard.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Process basics

Layer fusion

Powder bed. Energy source (laser, jet, EB) fuses one layer. Bed lowers, new powder, repeat.

SLS

Selective Laser Sintering

Single laser per layer. Standard for nylon prototypes and production.

MJF

Multi Jet Fusion

HP's technology. Print head deposits fusing agent, IR lamp fuses. Faster than SLS.

DMLS

Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Metal powder fused by laser. Aerospace, medical, complex metals.

EBM

Electron Beam Melting

Vacuum chamber, electron beam fuses metal. Specialty for titanium.

Build envelope

Up to 380 × 280 × 380

Standard build size. Larger machines available.

FAQ

SLS vs FDM?

SLS: better mechanical properties, no support structures, complex geometry. FDM: cheaper, faster setup, simpler equipment.

Surface finish?

PBF as-built Ra 10-20 µm. Bead blast or polish improves. CNC machine for tight tolerance.

Tolerance achievable?

±0.2 mm typical. ±0.05 mm with care + post-machining.

Powder reuse?

PA12 powder reuse 30-50% blend. DMLS metal reuse 70-80% blend with virgin.

Cost vs CNC?

Complex geometry: PBF cheaper. Simple geometry: CNC cheaper. Each suits different design.

Major applications?

Aerospace lightweight structures, medical implants, fixtures, low-volume production.

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