Selective Laser Sintering of Zirconium Silicate

The Fraunhofer Institute of Production Technology (IPT) and the Fraunhofer Institute of Laser Technology (ILT) have joined forces in a project dedicated to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) ofmetals and ceramics, funded by the German Government and 6 industrial partners. Selective Laser Sintering of zirconium silicate as a ceramic material used for investment casting shells and cores is an attractive alternative to the conventional, time-consuming way of producing these shells from a wax master. This paper will present current process results concerning laser sintering of shells made from zirconium silicate and explain the related potentials and benefits.