Cost Sensitivity Analysis for Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Abstract

Laser Powder Bed Fusion is the most widespread additive manufacturing process for metals. In literature, there are several analytical models for estimating the manufacturing cost. However, few papers present sensitivity analyses for evaluating the most relevant product and process parameters on the production cost. This paper presents a cost model elaborated from previous studies used in a sensitivity analysis. The most relevant process parameters observed in the sensitivity analysis are the 3D printer load factor, layer thickness, raw material price and laser speed.

An analytic cost model for bound metal deposition

“…According to ASTM/ISO 52900:2021 (ISO ASTM Standard 2021), MAM is divided into these categories: material extrusion (MEX), material jetting (MJ), binder jetting (BJ), powder bed fusion (PBF), directed energy deposition (DED), sheet lamination (SL), and vat polymerisation (VPP). PBF is the most widespread process technology since its maturity and high accuracy (Mandolini et al 2022), covering 85% of the MAM market (AMPOWER GmbH & Co 2020). On the other hand, PBF machines are complex and expensive.…”

“…The literature on cost analysis has extensively examined other MAM technologies, such as PBF and DED. There are a lot of analytical methods available, such as (Rickenbacher et al 2013), (Baumers et al 2012), (Mandolini et al 2022), (Mandolini et al 2023). Since its novelty and lower adoption, M-MEX (also intending mFFF, MF3, FDMet and metalFDM) was not investigated as the other MAM technologies.…”