Aspects of Developing a Powder Application Module Based on Electrophotography for Additive Powder Bed Based Processes

Abstract

The field of electrostatics and electrophotography offers great potential for applying powder layers for powder bed based additive manufacturing processes, such as laser-based powder bed fusion processes (LPBF). The opportunity of handling various powders independently of their material and particle properties marks the main benefit of electrostatic recoaters. The process operation is based on the electrophotographic principle known from laser printers. In this contribution the authors show a concept of an electrophotographic powder application module (EPAMO) for the powder layer deposition in LPBF of metallic powders. Within the scope of this work the focus is set on the general characterization leading into a technical concept and a prototype version in a test rig. The performed investigations of this paper concentrate on the charging step of the electrophotographical process with regard to the ambient condition of the LPBF process. Several aspects like charging parameters, temperature and inert gas atmosphere are considered.