Initial Investigation of Selective Laser Sintering Laser Power vs Part Porosity Using In-Situ Optical Coherence Tomography

Additional types of process sensors could be useful in further improving consistency of Selectively Laser Sintered (SLS) parts. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has shown promise as a new SLS process sensor which can yield depth resolved data not attainable with conventional sensors. This study investigates the use of OCT as a tool to determine part porosity. Various laser powers were used during the build and the in-situ OCT data corresponding to the various laser powers are compared. The finished part was then imaged using X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT). Porosity data was obtained and is compared with the OCT data.