method to produce 3D objects by stacking layers of melted powder using a high energy beam such as a laser or an electron beam
synonym: 3D printing
see also: powder metallurgy
note: Copper’s high reflectivity and thermal conductivity hinder conventional infrared-laser 3D printing, as much of the energy is reflected. Blue and green lasers, with shorter wavelengths strongly absorbed by copper, have greatly improved melt pool stability and part density. Complementary advances in powder design—optimizing particle size, shape, and coatings—further enhance process reliability. As a result, 3D-printed copper parts now routinely achieve near-100% IACS conductivity, enabling high-performance thermal and electrical applications.
source: ISO online browsing platform