Adapting the design to the process
Selective laser melting of metallic powder bed

Laser fusion manufacturing leads to a new design paradigm, particularly due to the freedom of form it allows. However, it is necessary to analyze the process and the materials used in detail in order to determine the scope for design flexibility. New constraints arise, such as the maximum dimensions of the manufacturing chambers and the presence of building supports. This section sets out some basic rules to be taken into account when adapting a CAD model to the characteristics of this additive manufacturing technology.