Laser Sintering Model for Composite Materials

A computer model for the sintering of ceramic/polymer composite materials has been established based on empirical sintering rate data. The model calculates sintering depths which result from variations in the operating parameters which include laser power, beam speed, scan spacing, scan vector length, and initial temperatures of the powder and surroundings. Sintering depths measured in multiple layer parts made of polymer coated ceramic powders are compared to sintering depths calculated by the sintering model.