In situ alloying: investigation of the melt pool stability during powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam in a novel experimental set-up

Abstract The limited access to materials for the Powder Bed Fusion of Metals using a Laser Beam (PBF-LB/M) is compensated by in situ alloying. Individual melt pool characteristics can be specifically influenced improve mechanical properties final part. However, conventional PBF-LB/M machines allow only detailed observation process zone and, particular, pool. This paper presents methodology systematically analyzing cross section determine variation depth. A custom test bench was devised enable investigation high-speed infrared cameras. image data were processed automatically dedicated algorithm. applied analyze effect additives on stability. Stainless steel 316L powder blended with aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg up 20 wt.%. It found that significantly reduced