Geometry‐Based Scan Curve Analysis: Rapid Method for the Evaluation of Scan Strategies in Powder Bed Fusion

It is well known that scan strategies have an essential role in powder bed fusion (PBF). For the comparison of different scan strategies, however, it is usually necessary to evaluate manufactured samples or run simulations. Given the typically lengthy nature of these processes, this study focuses on finding a rapid preprocess evaluation method for scan strategies using geometrical approaches: line buffer‐based calculations and a point density field. Both approaches only depend on the geometry of the scan strategy. While these calculations should apply to most PBF processes, this study uses the evaluation methods to predict the differences that four unique scanning strategies have in PBF of polymers using an near‐infrared laser source. Polyamid 12 powder with Lanthanum hexaboride nanoparticles and a commercial black‐dyed Polyamid 12 powder are used for processing. The calculation of the line buffer‐based surface energies of these scanning strategies correctly predicted the sequence in which the scanning curve appeared to have received the laser energy. Moreover, the defects observed in the manufactured samples appear to be related to the variation in point density of the scanning strategies. These promising results are the first step towards new preprocess evaluation methods, leading to improved predictability of different scan strategies.