Spattering in selective laser melting : a review of spatter formation, effects and countermeasures

Abstract

Spattering is an unpreventable and largely undesired phenomenon in selective laser melting (SLM). The ejected particles from the melt pool would often deposit on the powder bed when not effectively removed by the shielding inert gas flow, leading to contamination and subsequently parts to be printed with lower quality. In this paper, the formation, effects and countermeasures with regards to spattering in SLM are reviewed.