The LPBF-process
Laser powder bed fusion explained on the BOLDSERIES
The LPBF process
How does laser powder bed fusion work?
![](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LPBF-1v3.png)
1. Powder supply
Powder supply using cartridges
![](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LPBF-2v3.png)
2. Coating
Powder deposition with coater
![](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LPBF-3v3.png)
3. Fusing
Fusing process of the powder by the laser
![](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/LPBF-4v3.png)
4. Lowering
Lowering the building platform & repeat steps 1-4 until the component height is reached
![LPBF process 1 Powder Supply](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Faser-LPBF1-v2-1024x994.png)
1. Powder supply
Powder supply using cartridges
![LPBF process 2](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Faser-LPBF2-v2-1024x993.png)
2. Coating
Powder deposition with coater
![LPBF process 3 Fusing](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Faser-LPBF3-v2-1024x994.png)
3. Fusing
Fusing process of the powder by the laser
![LPBF process 4 Lowering Build Plate](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Faser-LPBF4-v2-1024x993.png)
4. Lowering
Lowering the building platform & repeat steps 1-4 until the component height is reached
The process chain of metal 3D printing
We have summarized all steps from preparation to postprocessing for you here.
![LPBF process chain data](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/01_Datenerstellung.png)
1. Data preparation
- CAD modelling: No component without a design template. For you, this means that you have to design the component in advance with a 3D optimised CAD software.
- STL export: Once you have finished designing, export your model.
![LPBF process chain data preparation](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/02_Datenvorbereitung_neu.png)
2. Data preparation
- Preparation
- Supports generation: Most components require additional supports, e.g. for overhangs or certain angles. See also the support setting options in our MPREP software.
- Parameter selection: To ensure optimum printability of the components, we have developed material-specific parameter sets. Settings such as scan speed, laser power or track distance are matched to the properties of the print material to enable perfect interaction between powder and laser.
- Simulation
- Slicing and Preview
![LPBF process chain data preparation](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/02_Datenvorbereitung_neu.png)
3. Print preparation
- Insert powder supply cartridges
- Insert build module
- (insert overflow cartridge)
- Load print job
- Inerting
![LPBF process chain build process](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/03_LPBF_Faser.png)
![LPBF process chain build module](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/03_2_LPBF-260x300.png)
4. Printing process
LPBF Process
- Powder supply
Powder supply using powder cartridges - Coating
Powder deposition by the coater - Fusing
Fusing process of the powder by the laser - Decreasing
Decrease the building platform & repeat steps 1-4 until the component height is reached
![LPBF process chain part powder](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/04_Auspackprozess.png)
![LPBF process chain part plate](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/04_2_Auspackprozess-300x235.png)
5. Unpacking process
- Take the construction module from MPRINT+ out and insert it into MPURE
- Rough powder removal using gloves
- Removing powder from interspaces and support structures
![LPBF process chain part plate](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/05_Trennen.png)
6. Separation of the component and the building platform
- Separation by band saw or spark erosion
![LPBF process chain part support removed](https://oneclickmetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/06_Nachbearbeitung.png)
7. Post-processing of the component
- Support removal
- Beams
- Surface treatment