Influence of Novel Space Filling PBF-LB Scanning Strategies on Part Distortion and Density

"Additive Manufacturing, especially Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB), is known
for its ability to create intricate designs with high precision. Yet, residual stresses remain a
challenge, causing distortion. Novel laser paths, including various spiral and space-filling curves
such as Hilbert, Gosper, and Peano, have been investigated. They were compared with standard
stripe strategies. Parameters such as scan length and hatch distance are varied while maintaining
energy density constant. Cantilever beams were used to measure distortion and density. Fractal
strategies show minimal distortion with slight density loss. Spiral paths lead to a minimized
porosity but show an increased distortion. Segmenting paths reduce distortion across all strategies.
The orientation of the cantilever relative to the gas flow affects the distortion extent. Gosper and
Hilbert curves reduce distortion with slight density reduction, while spiral paths minimize porosity
but increase distortion. Segmenting paths effectively reduce distortion without density loss in all
strategies."