In the context of ongoing research projects, the LWT investigates additive manufacturing using powder bed-based methods such as PBF-LB/M. A new method for the direct measurement of thermal conductivity of powders in real operating temperature ranges during the PBF-LB/M process has been developed and published at LWT. This publication is now available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2023.119022, and for the next five weeks, you can access it for free using the following link: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1hvof7QGmMMav.
The method developed at LWT allows for the precise and direct analysis of the thermal conductivity of powders in additive manufacturing. Until now, it was unclear how the chemical composition, microstructure of the powder, and particle size distribution influence thermal conductivity. Our analysis has demonstrated the significant influence of powder particle geometry. The publication of this research marks a significant step towards more precise and efficient processes. It not only promises better results but also opens up new possibilities for the production of complex components.