Dust Particle Counter for Powder Bed Fusion Process

The paper presents a novel dust detector based on an innovative laser system that can be successfully used in applications where continuous dust monitoring is necessary. The measurements obtained with FeNi18Co9Mo5 (maraging MS1 steel) particles are compared with the particle fall times calculated using the Navier-Stokes equation. The measurement powder was subjected to sieve analysis and laser system detection. Based on the results obtained, a formula was developed to determine the dust concentration depending on the number and size of particles. With filtration applied, the detector measurement range was from 16 to 100 µm. The developed solution can be the basis for the development of a dedicated sensor for powder bed fusion processes.