The flow of inert gas is a critical factor in the LPBF process, as it determines the quality and consistency of the parts being produced. Achieving optimal flow can be challenging, especially when considering factors such as the size of the chamber, the number of lasers, and the power of the laser being used. These variables directly impact the rate at which process emissions are generated. In this paper, we will delve into Additive Industries' design approach to the gas flow subsystem, utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics to explore the impact of an optimized gas flow configuration on the quality and consistency of parts across the entire 420 x 420 x 400 [mm] build area of the MetalFAB1.
