Deep Dive into Gas Flow Visualization
In Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) manufacturing, shielding gas flow is critical to removing process byproducts and preventing contamination of the melt pool.
However, gas delivery systems can suffer from:
- Flow dead zones that trap spatter and condensate
-Turbulence that re-deposits particles onto the build
- Non-uniform velocity profiles that create inconsistent part quality
Traditional methods of evaluating gas flow inside LPBF machines provide limited visibility, making it difficult to identify and correct these inefficiencies.
The Solution
Using Magnetic Resonance Velocimetry (MRV), a novel imaging approach, researchers can capture fully resolved three-dimensional flow fields within the build chamber.
This research applies MRV to:
- Develop accurate computational models of gas flow in LPBF systems
-Identify problematic regions causing turbulence and recirculation
-Quantify improvements in gas delivery system performance after design changes
MRV data, paired with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, enables direct measurement and validation of shielding gas system performance.
Key Benefits
Data-Driven Design
– Use MRV and CFD results to validate and refine gas delivery systems.
Improved Part Quality
– Eliminate contamination and spatter-related defects by optimizing gas flow patterns.
Reduced Downtime
– Identify and address flow issues before they cause costly print failures.