Laser Powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique

Why in news?

• Researchers have developed a novel bi-metallic joining process to create a bimetallic composite made from copper and steel by using the Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique.
• One such bimetallic composite, made from copper and steel, has high thermal and electrical conductivity, exceptional corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties.
• The researchers have successfully demonstrated the formation of the interfacial microstructure and bonding mechanism and investigated the reason for achieving a strong interfacial bond.
• Why it is significant? In the world of technological advancements, high-performing and multifunctional structures and components are in great demand.
• To cater to this demand, the development of bimetallic structures has gained significant attention.

What is the powder bed fusion Technique?

• Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a 3D printing method that joins powdered material point by point using an energy source, typically a laser beam or an electron beam.
• It is one of the most common 3D printing techniques used for industrial additive manufacturing (AM).
• PBF is possible with both metals and polymers, although not all materials are compatible.
• Due to the combustible nature of the metal powders, LPBF is usually performed under inert gas such as argon, or under a vacuum.

Q1) What is additive manufacturing?

 Additive manufacturing is the process of creating an object by building it one layer at a time. It is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, in which an object is created by cutting away at a solid block of material until the final product is complete.Technically, additive manufacturing can refer to any process where a product is created by building something up, such as molding, but it typically refers to 3-D printing.

Source: Novel bi-metallic joining process can create a composite from copper and steel for engineering applications which need high thermal & electrical conductivity

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