Manufacture of metal parts by powder bed technology (SLM/SLS & EBM)
Laser beam powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) or selective laser (SLM), or direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), is arguably the best-known metal additive for making thin parts and complex shapes in the manufacturing technology industry. It consists of using one or more lasers or even an electron beam, to selectively fuse the layer of metal powder on to the previous layer. The alternation of the powder layer deposition operations followed by that of selective melting allows at the end of the process to obtain the final piece attached to its support.
Whether for safety (to avoid any risk of ignition) or for quality (to protect the molten metal against oxidation and humidity) or to guarantee the reproducibility of results from one batch to one other, gases play a crucial role.
Discover our solution for laser powder bed fusion:
- Gases of suitable quality and purity
- Process optimisation for more reliability
- Secuity
Why choose Air Liquide gases for your SLM additive manufacturing process
Are you considering the implementation of a 3D printing machine for SLM additive manufacturing?
Are you looking for the best gas to provide protection against oxidation and moisture?
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Productivity & reproducibilityThanks to a choice of gases (argon, nitrogen and helium) of high purity, and to an efficient distribution installation, your processes are optimised (stable and without drifts). You can thus maximize speed and yield, while maintaining a result and a final structure of perfect quality from one layer to another and identical deposit characteristics all along the bead. |
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ExpertiseDrawing on its experience, Air Liquide supports you at every stage of your project: from the definition of your specifications and the design of network and security installations, to assistance with the start-up of your manufacturing processes. Our extensive offer allows you to benefit from innovative solutions across the entire metal additive manufacturing value chain.
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Our gas solutions to optimise the performance of your Selective Powder Bed Fusion (SLM) or (EBM) process
With Air Liquide, benefit from the advantage of supply solutions adapted to your manufacturing process, combining gas, distribution installation and technical expertise.
Your gas supply for the selective powder bed fusion (SLM) or (EBM) process
The most commonly used gases are Argon (Ar), Nitrogen (N 2 ) and Helium (He).
The high purity of these gases is often required due to the sensitivity of the molten metal with these Laser or electron beam processes.
Your gas distribution installations
On the strength of its experience, our engineering team offers you to design and build your installations in compliance with safety rules, to ensure perfect reliability, maintainability, and the continuity of supply required by the selective powder bed fusion process.
Why choose Air Liquide gases for your SLM additive manufacturing process
| FAMILY | PROCESS | GAS | MATERIAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Energy Deposition |
LMD, DMD(1) |
Argon Nitrogen Helium |
Steels and all metallic materials |
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Wire |
WAAM (2) | Range of industrial welding gases for MIG, MAG, TIG processes |
Steels and all metallic materials |
| Selective powder bed fusion by laser or electron beam |
SLS (3) | Argon Nitrogen |
Plastics, other metal alloys |
| SLM (4) ou DMLS |
Titanium, Aluminium, Steels, Chrome, Cobalt |
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| EBM (5) | Helium |
All |
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| Binder Metal Technologies |
BJT (6) | Sintering of powders under Argon (+ low % of hydrogen) Nitrogen |
All metallic materials |
| Among the wider variety of processes used in industry sectors, the main one are: (1) Laser Metal Deposition, Direct Metal Deposition (Cladding) (2) Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (3) Selective Laser Sintering , or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (4) Selective Laser Melting (5) Electron Beam Melting (6) Binder Jetting Technology (Binder Metal or& Binder Metal Jetting) |
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