Which of the following is a disadvantage of using melting powder bed fusion (PBF) processes?

Using melting powder bed fusion (PBF) processes often leads to challenges regarding tolerances and surface finishes. One of the inherent issues with PBF technology is the layer-by-layer nature of the process, which can result in thermal distortion and residual stresses in the finished part. These factors may cause dimensional inaccuracies, which can reduce the overall performance and fit of the components being produced.

The surface finish resulting from PBF can also be coarser compared to other manufacturing processes, as the layers may not completely fuse together at the microscopic level. This can necessitate additional post-processing steps to achieve a smoother finish, which adds time and cost to the production process. Therefore, while PBF can produce intricate and complex parts, it may not always meet the stringent tolerances and surface quality demands required for certain applications, marking this choice as a valid disadvantage.