Effects of preheating by varying the hatch distance on the melting mode of metal powder during laser powder bed fusion

Key Points

• Melting mode changes significantly with varying hatch distance and preheating conditions, enhancing processing efficiency.
• Key findings demonstrate that optimal hatch distances improve melting characteristics and thermal uniformity.
• Assessment using experimental measurements shows that specific preheating strategies lead to better melting modes for metal powders.
• These findings highlight the need for precise thermal control in laser powder bed fusion techniques.