Statistical Process Control Application to Polymer Based SLS process

The quality of selective laser sintering (SLS) made parts is known to be influenced by process parameters and the quality of input material. In order to ensure consistency in part quality, there is a need to monitor the quality of parts made using the SLS machines. Benchmark specimens were designed and manufactured to track key quality characteristics of strength, bending stiffness, density and dimensional accuracy of parts made in multiple builds. Using data collected from the benchmark tests, correlation analysis and statistical process control (SPC) charts were established. SPC was found to be a useful tool that can provide SLS users with the mean of identifying possible changes in the process. Therefore, it can be used for process monitoring in SLS process to ensure consistency in part quality for long term production.