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Laser powder bed fusion
A metal powder-bed process using a laser. Assess the qualified machine, alloy, parameter set and finishing route together.
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The terms behind the decision.
Editorial definition
Directed energy deposition
A process family that adds feedstock into a focused energy source. This library includes laser wire and electron-beam wire examples.
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Utilization
Required production hours divided by an explicitly stated available-hours basis. This calculator uses fleet hours after planned and additional downtime.
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Breakeven
A crossing of two cost functions. Always specify operating, accounting or investment basis, and test that the production volume fits the fleet.
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Net present value
Cash flows translated to the start of the planning period using a discount rate. This calculator shows positive present-value costs; lower is cheaper.
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Capital expenditure
The all-in investment needed to put the production system into service. It is paid once in the cash purchase path.
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Depreciation
Allocation of depreciable investment over useful life in the accounting view. It is not an additional cash purchase.
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Marginal cost
The modeled variable cost of one more accepted part before another machine is needed.
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Effective build rate
Measured deposition volume per hour for your actual qualified process. It is not inferred from theoretical vendor maxima.
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Rejected production
The fraction of attempted production not accepted. The model adjusts time and attempted-part costs consistently.
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Post-processing
The operations between printing and acceptance, such as support removal, heat treatment, finishing and inspection.
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Purchased powder
Fresh purchased powder allocated to an attempted part, including supports and unrecovered losses. It cannot be less than the part’s solid metal mass.
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Contract value
An amount associated with an identified procurement transaction. It is not necessarily a retail price, paid invoice, annual rate or per-unit amount.
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Qualified process
The specific equipment, material, parameters, post-processing and acceptance basis established for the intended application.
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Cash flow
Money paid or received at a specific time. Loan repayments and depreciation are treated differently when moving between cash and accounting views.
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