Laser Powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique

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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