Control Oriented Model and Control System Design for Selective Laser Melting Process

Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) process, a prominent additive manufacturing (AM) technology for metals, has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing by enabling the rapid production of complex parts directly from digital models. Despite its advantages in speed and geometric flexibility, the quality and repeatability of SLM-produced parts are often compromised due to the complex and fast-changing process dynamics. The literature highlights the critical need for robust online control systems to enhance part quality and consistency. However, a significant challenge lies in the lack of an adequate process model to design effective online control algorithms.

This research addresses these challenges by investigating and implementing various online control systems to mitigate heat accumulation and improve part quality and process performance. Our contributions are threefold:
1. Extending control models
2. Fast and efficient simulation
3. Control system exploration

Our work enhances understanding of SLM process control and paves the way for more efficient additive manufacturing practices.