Modeling the effects of coordinated multi-beam additive manufacturing

In additive manufacturing (AM), it is necessary to know the influence of processing parameters in order have better control over microstructure and mechanical performance part. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM beneficial for many reasons; however, limited by thermal solidification conditions achievable available parameter ranges single-beam methods. Therefore, this work investigates effect multiple, coordinated heat sources, which are used strategically modify melting solidifying process. To model this, existing models LPBF process been modified include effects laser beams. These computational calculate melt pool dimensions (thermal gradient cooling rate). Furthermore, results simulations determine distance between beams different configurations. The multi-beam scanning strategies modeled present study shown alter both shape size, at onset solidification. However, these variations not result alterations grain morphology Ti-6Al-4V components. This predictive method research provides insight into using multiple LPBF, a step increasing capabilities