Advances in Manufacturing ›› 2026, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (3): 565-597.doi: 10.1007/s40436-025-00585-6

• ARTICLES • Previous Articles    

Mechanisms behind the formation of microstructural defects in powder bed fusion processes: a review

Jasper Ramon1, Gulshan Kumar2, Ivan Cole3, Hua Qian Ang1   

  1. 1. School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia;
    2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Dubai Campus, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai 345055, United Arab Emirates;
    3. School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
  • Received:2025-02-07 Revised:2025-04-15 Accepted:2025-11-24 Online:2026-01-13 Published:2026-01-13
  • Contact: Hua Qian Ang,E-mail:huaqian.ang@rmit.edu.au E-mail:huaqian.ang@rmit.edu.au

Abstract: Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a leading metal additive manufacturing technique capable of producing complex, high-precision components with superior material efficiency. However, the technology’s widespread adoption is limited by the presence of microstructural defects such as porosity, cracks, and textured columnar grains. These defects, originating from both feedstock characteristics and process instabilities, significantly undermine the structural integrity, fatigue resistance, and reliability of manufactured parts. To systematically address these challenges, this review classifies microstructural defects into feedstock-induced and process-induced categories, examining their formation mechanisms and impact on mechanical properties. Feedstock-induced defects, including satellite formation, internal porosity, and surface contamination, stem from irregularities in feedstock morphology and handling conditions. Process-induced defects, such as lack of fusion pores, keyhole porosity, and cracking, are strongly correlated to thermal gradients, melt pool dynamics, and energy density variations. Furthermore, this work examines defect mitigation strategies, including feedstock optimization (powder atomization, particle morphology control), process parameter refinement (energy density regulation, scan strategy optimization), and post-processing techniques (hot isostatic pressing, surface treatments). A summarized classification of defects, their mechanisms, effects on mechanical properties, and mitigation strategies is provided as a comprehensive reference for researchers and practitioners. Through the integration of experimental findings, multi-physics modeling, and advanced in-situ diagnostics, this review establishes a framework for understanding defect formation and its influence on process-structure-property relationships. The insights provided address current limitations in defect modeling and control, guiding future research toward achieving higher repeatability and scalability in industrial applications.

The full text can be downloaded at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40436-025-00585-6

Key words: Powder bed fusion (PBF), Defects, Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), Electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF), Porosity, Cracks