A Review on Ultrafast-Laser Power Bed Fusion Technology

Additive manufacturing of metals by employing continuous wave and short pulse lasers completely changes the way of modern industrial production. But the ultrafast laser has the superiority to short pulse laser and continuous wave laser in additive manufacturing. It has higher peak power, small thermal effect, high machining accuracy and low damage threshold. It can effectively perform additive manufacturing for special materials and improve the mechanical properties of parts. This article reviews the mechanism of the interaction between ultrafast laser and metal materials to rule the manufacturing processes. The current application of ultrafast laser on forming and manufacturing special materials, including refractory metals, transparent materials, composite materials and high thermal conductivity materials are also discussed. Among the review, the shortcomings and challenges of the current experimental methods are discussed as well. Finally, suggestions are provided for the industrial application of ultrashort pulse laser in the field of additive manufacturing in the future.