ABSTRACT
Metal based additive layer manufacturing methods (ALM) show a large annual market growth and gradually gain influence in manufacturing and production technology (Wohlers 2007). First, this can be referred to system flexibility and feasible part complexity. Second, decisive technological advantages were obtained recently in such a way as to enable systems to process multiple metal powders (e.g. aluminium alloys, hot forming tool steel or titanium base alloys) (Nyrhilä et al. 2007, Sercombe et al. 2008, Mumtaz et al. 2009). Thus, variable classes of functional parts (rapid manufacturing) for almost all industrial sectors are producible. Representative examples are biocompatible implants, mould inserts or components for the aerospace industry.
