Fundamentals of Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of Polymers

Fundamentals of Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of Polymers addresses the design principles, materials, process monitoring, powder characteristics, microstructure, mechanical properties, post-processing, nondestructive testing, and more of polymers produced by laser-based powder bed fusion (LBPBF) additive manufacturing. Industrial applications and case studies are included throughout, as is insight on the testing, certification, and qualification of parts. The book starts with a section covering the fundamentals of the process and the materials used, with the second section discussing design for LBPBF of polymers including guidance on data management, process chains, and software and tools used. The third section provides insight on raw materials and feedstock, looking at how polymeric materials are selected, designed, and modified for use. Material characterization and powder management workflow are also covered. The fourth section of the book looks at the production process, including post-processing, process monitoring, prototyping vs. serialized production, and qualified production considerations. The book concludes with a section on part quality considerations, discussing measurement, industry certification and qualification, and more.