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PBF 301: Powder Bed Fusion (SLS & MJF)

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The preview above gives you the full course structure, learning outcomes, prerequisites, and what you will be able to do after completion. Free for everyone.

  • ✓Video lessons with real 3D printing setups
  • ✓Calibration parameters
  • ✓Downloadable STL examples + gcode profiles
  • ✓AI tutor for questions
  • ✓Completion certificate
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Powder Bed Fusion is the technology family that turns AM into a serious production method. This course covers the three key variants – SLS, SLM and MJF – with a focus on workflow, economics and quality control.

What you will learn

  • The physics of laser and thermal powder fusion
  • The difference between SLS (polymer), SLM (metal) and MJF (polymer with fusing agent)
  • File preparation – nesting, orientation, packing density
  • Powder quality – particle morphology, refresh ratio
  • Powder safety – explosivity and toxicity
  • Post-processing – depowdering, sandblasting, infiltration
  • Economics – cost per part, build chamber utilization

Course outline

  • Lesson 1: The PBF family and its place in the AM landscape
  • Lesson 2: SLS – PA12, PA11, PA-GF mechanics and applications
  • Lesson 3: MJF – fusion agent, detail agent, colour applications
  • Lesson 4: SLM – introduction ahead of course-met401-metal-am
  • Lesson 5: 3D nesting and build chamber optimization
  • Lesson 6: Powder management – refresh, sieving, storage
  • Lesson 7: Post-processing workflow
  • Lesson 8: Economics and comparison with injection moulding

Prerequisites

A solid AM foundation at the level of course-fdm101-basics plus course-mat201-eng-polymers. A completed course-dfam301-topology-opt is also desirable.

Outcome

You evaluate when PBF makes sense versus FDM or casting, design parts using the right powder-bed DfAM approach, and communicate production readiness to a client.

Who it is for

Technology directors, service-bureau engineers, production planning specialists, and entrepreneurs evaluating an investment in industrial AM equipment.