In situ X-ray imaging of LPBF process - exploring exotic materials and new printing strategies

Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM), has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing processes. It is critical to establish a scientific understanding of the process, especially when it comes to new materials and new printing strategies where little knowledge can be applied. At the European Synchrotron (ESRF), taking advantage of the recent Extremely Brilliant Source upgrade and the most advanced synchrotron material characterization techniques, the in-situ investigation will be used to establish a well-rounded picture of the LAM process. The outstanding photon flux density at ESRF can reach ultra-high temporal resolution at hard X-ray energies in combination with coherence levels which allows for imaging with high sensitivity. Combining fast synchrotron radiography (> 40 kHz) with an in-situ LAM rig, fast X-ray imaging enables the observation, of the laser-matter interaction, defects formation, material phase transformations and microstructural features evolution.