In additive manufacturing, how are materials fused together using lasers?

In additive manufacturing, particularly in processes that utilize lasers, materials are typically fused together layer by layer. This technique allows for precise control over the shape and structure of the final product. The laser selectively melts or sinters the material, which is usually in powdered form, based on the digital design provided.

By building the component one layer at a time, additive manufacturing enables the creation of complex geometries and intricate details that would be challenging or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. The layer-by-layer approach not only contributes to the precision of the final part but also allows for the incorporation of different materials in multi-material prints, enhancing functionality and performance.

While other methods like heating materials to their melting points may also occur in the process, it is specifically the sequential layering that characterizes additive manufacturing, making it an essential aspect of the technology.