Metal 3D printing, process control and powder materials
The LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) platform is dedicated to metal additive manufacturing by laser powder bed fusion. It relies on a set of manufacturing and characterization resources distributed across several sites in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, to cover the key stages from process development to part and material qualification.
LPBF Platform Objectives
Understanding and Controlling the Process
The platform aims to control and understand laser/material interaction as well as process parameters (scanning strategies, energy, atmosphere, etc.), to:
- ensure repeatability and reproducibility;
- link parameters, microstructure, and final properties.
Optimizing As-Built Quality and Material Health
The objective is to optimize:
- densification rate (reduction of porosity, defects);
- geometric accuracy and the ability to produce complex shapes;
- as-built surface finish;
- material health (monitoring and understanding powder/process evolution).
Developing Powder Materials Suitable for LPBF
The platform supports the development and adaptation of metal powders to:
- improve manufacturability;
- stabilize part quality;
- adapt the material to application requirements (mechanical, durability, environment).
What the LPBF Platform Enables
- Definition and optimization of process windows (parameters, strategies)
- Test campaigns for densification / accuracy / surface
- Robustness and repeatability studies
- Support for material development (powders) and understanding of the “powder → part” process
- Support for R&D and transfer projects to industry
Who is it for?
The LPBF platform is intended for:
- research teams (projects, theses, demonstrators);
- industrial partners (R&D, qualification, part/process/material optimization);
- projects requiring an integrated process–material–quality approach.
Access Procedures
Depending on your needs, the platform can provide:
- services (manufacturing, testing, initial analysis);
- support (process selection, design of experiments, interpretation, maturity development).
Contact
To study feasibility (target material, geometry, density/surface objectives, volumes):