Selective Laser Sintering Part Strength as a Function of Andrew Number, Scan Rate and Spot Size

Selective Laser Sintering has been modeled analytically and numerically, and studied experimentally. Further investigation is necessary to couple the results of modeling with experimental data. At Clemson University, numerical modeling of heat transfer phenomena is used to predict temperatures within the powder layer as a function of process parameters. Efforts are focused on delivering process speed up through improved process understanding. Initial modeling results and current understanding of the effects of process parameters on the strength properties offreeform parts produced by the SLS process are presented.