Work Safety

Seminar content

In recent years more and more companies have discovered the advantages of laser beam melting technology (Laser Powder Bed Fusion, LPBF) for themselves and thus also the number of installed LPBF systems has steadily increased. While the installation spaces of LPBF systems are becoming larger and the amount of powder required is increasing as a result, there is still a major knowledge gap in the field of occupational safety. The system manufacturers only provide basic information for safe operation with metal powder. Above all, the equipment in the entire LPBF process chain and powder management often remain unlit.

Another problem is that manual post-processing of LPBF components often takes place in an open environment. Although protective equipment is worn by the employee who carries out the finishing steps, there is still a risk of dust emissions for the employees in the immediate vicinity. This is reinforced by previously non-existent devices for powder extraction.

Since LPBF systems are no longer installed only in research facilities and laboratories, but more and more often in production facilities, it is also moving into the focus of the professional associations. Restrictions from this direction can cause high costs if retrofitting is necessary afterwards.

Since not all materials present the same hazards, there are currently no uniform guidelines and standards for occupational safety and personal protection in AM production facilities.

These challenges give us the impulse for a seminar in the field of occupational safety to offer handling of laser melting plants.