DMLS and L-PBF processes have relied on support structures over the past few decades for thermal management, anchoring parts, warpage prevention, building bulkier parts etc. When 3D printing with metals, support structures have long been the key to mitigating stress on parts during production and prevention of degradation during the build. While support structures have been paramount to ensuring buildability and managing thermal stresses in a 3D printed design, the long-term goal in additive manufacturing (AM) has always been to homogenize energy input into the powder bed and minimize support structures.
Advancements in software and sensing technologies have made it possible to automate these processes and allow the additive manufacturing industry to use no or minimal support for the production of metal parts. By overcoming the perceived restriction of 3D printing without support, AM can help lead manufacturers to optimized builds, with reduced costs and timeframes.
We’ll be taking a deep dive into how a closed loop process control has helped EOS customers begin to break free from the unnecessary evil of support structures. The future is already here in terms of closed loop control as we re-do the automated build control of DMLS powered by EOS Smart Fusion Technology.
Learning Objectives:
- Upon completion, participant will be able to know about advancements in software and sensing technologies that have made it possible to use no or minimal support in AM.
- Upon completion, participant will be able to know about how AM can help lead manufacturers to optimized builds, with reduced cost and timeframes.
- Upon completion, participant will be able to understand the closed loop control in the automated build control of DMLS powered by EOS Smart Fusion Technology.
