A review on critical challenges in additive manufacturing via laser-induced forward transfer
Journal
Optics and Laser Technology
Journal Volume
168
Date Issued
2024-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Laser-assisted manufacturing has been in the rise for advanced and additive manufacturing purposes. Recently, laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) has emerged as a highly effective additive manufacturing technique with broad applications, being widely adopted in numerous fields. LIFT being a non-contact, one-step and high resolution, poses to be an efficient solution, by collectively saving time and cost. However, achieving the optimal transfer quality deposits are a challenge. Furthermore, limitations such as poor bonding strength between the deposits, poor adhesion between the deposits and the receiver substrate, non-uniform deposition and phenomena like shockwave formation pose significant barrier. Therefore, this review intends to highlight/identify the critical issues associated with the process and suggest plausible solutions to overcome them. First, the history and description of the process are investigated. Then, important process parameters and their influence on the quality of the process is discussed in brief. Subsequently, the limitations are addressed in detail, along with the field of application. Finally, comments are made on plausible solutions and alternatives to mitigate the mentioned process limitations. This review will enable researchers to perform LIFT in the most efficient way, proving itself as a potential manufacturing process for a variety of applications in the future.
Subjects
Additive manufacturing | Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) | Process parameters | Shockwave generation
Type
other