Relating Operating Parameters between SLS Machines which have Different Scanner Geometries and Laser Spot Sizes

As the number of SLS machines in operation increases, the opportunities to share operating parameters with other SLS operators also increases. However, if the machines are not identical down to the spot size of the laser beam, the quality of parts made on each machine can be different. The most likely differences between two SLS machines are the laser spot size and the scanning radius of the optics. The total energy flux to the powder surface is a function of the spot size and the scan speed. The algorithms defined to correct for machine differences are verified both experimentally and numerically using a one-dimensional empirical SLS model.