Development ofDirect SLS Processing for Production ofCermet Composite Turbine Sealing Components - Part I

This paper presents the development to date of SLS (selective laser sintering) technologies for production of cermet composite turbine sealing components, the particular application being an abrasive blade tip. The component chosen for the application is an integral part of the low pressure turbine in a IHP'TET (Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology) demonstrator engine. Both indirect and direct SLS techniques are being developed. Initial trials and process development involved the use of fugitive polymeric binders. Sequential refinements were performed to develop a binderless direct SLS process. Results from mechanical testing indicate that acceptable microstructure and properties are attainable by SLS with substantial cost savings as compared to the currently employed production method. This is the rust instance ofdirect SFF methods applied to a functional component