Laser array for laser powder bed fusion processing of metal alloys

One or more computer storage devices having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for operating heat sources during additive manufacturing, which, on execution by a computer, cause the computer to perform operations comprising:

• applying heat to a first plurality of metallic particles in a powder bed using a first heat source, the first heat source being one of multiple heat sources configured into an array, the first heat source generating a first melt pool;
• simultaneously applying heat to a second plurality of metallic particles in the powder bed using a second heat source of the multiple heat sources in the array to generate a second melt pool, the first plurality of metallic particles separated from the second plurality of metallic particles by a distance, the distance and an amount of heat from each heat source controlled to generate a combined melt pool that is larger in size and encompasses the first and second melt pools;
• and
• allowing the combined melt pool to solidify to form the object.