Physics-Informed Neural Networks: a step towards data-driven optimization of additive manufacturing

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is the most popular Additive Manufacturing (AM) process for metals. It builds a 3D object layer-by-layer, by spreading metal powder on top of the previous layer and selectively melting it with a laser. Despite its many advantages, large-scale production may be hampered by the large number of process parameters and the challenges associated with their optimization. We propose an automated parameter selection approach based on process signatures extracted from a parameterized simulation of the process. Specifically, we outline a rapid data-driven simulation method based on Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN). This approach involves training a neural network to solve the partial differential equation describing the process at varying values of a parameter of interest (for example, the laser power), thus eliminating the need for repeated Finite Elements Method (FEM) simulations. Our preliminary experiments demonstrate the feasibility of our approach.