ETN Global has released a report on its Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Machine Evaluation Initiative, an industry-funded project, conducted by a consortium of selected members from our Additive Manufacturing Working Group. The study analysed the capabilities of LPBF machines from multiple Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), focusing on manufacturing components using Alloy 718, a material critical for gas turbine applications.

The initiative tested the machines’ ability to produce consistent, high-quality parts using identical powder feedstock and heat treatment processes.

Key findings include:

• Consistency in material properties: All tested machines produced parts with consistent tensile strength, hardness, and overall material properties when using the same powder feedstock and heat treatment process.
• Variability in productivity: Productivity and ease of use varied due to differences in machine-specific support systems, design layouts, and integration processes.
• High quality across systems: Despite logistical challenges and complex part designs, consistent quality was maintained across all evaluated machines.

ETN Global would like to acknowledge the contributions of all members involved from DNV, ENGIE, EPRI, Equinor, Oerlikon, Shell, SiemensEnergy, Sulzer and Uniper. A special thanks goes out to DNV who acted as a facilitator, managing the project, as well as reporting the findings.

The following report is a public document and is available for download here.