I'm trying to research additive (or 'bottom-up') fabrication techniques that rely on lasers or other advanced photonic systems. So far, the most prevalent technique I've come across is two-photon polymerisation, but I'm struggling to find any others. Any further examples would be much appreciated.
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2$\begingroup$ selective laser melting, selective laser sintering and laser deposition welding with powder and/or wire come to mind $\endgroup$– OpticalResonatorNov 13, 2020 at 20:47
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$\begingroup$ @OpticalResonator, please put your comment as answer $\endgroup$– Adrian MaireNov 17, 2020 at 13:58
1 Answer
Here is an incomplete list of laser-based additive manufacturing, based on my comment. I might expand on it later:
Selective laser melting/sintering (SLM/SLS): a laser beam melts/sinters a layer of powder at the desired spots, after solidification, a new layer is added and the process starts over.
Stereolitography: basically the same as SLM, but instead of powder, you use a resin that solidifies when exposed to light. One of the oldest additive manufacturing processes.
Laser deposition welding: a laser melts a spot on a base plate, additional material is fed into this melt pool in form of powder or wire (processes with both at once also exist, need to search a bit for a citation). From there on you build up a part in layers. This process is very close to the classic "3D printer" with plastic FDM.