Investigation on selective laser sintering of PA12: dimensional accuracy and mechanical performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Achille Gazzerro ◽  
Wilma Polini ◽  
Luca Sorrentino
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Central Zone ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mechanical Performances ◽  
The Many ◽  
Additional Support

Purpose Selective laser sintering (SLS) has passed other techniques, thanks to its high print resolution, its ability to print microscale geometries without any additional support, its surface quality and its long-term thermal stability. However, despite the many advantages of SLS compared to fusion deposition modelling, there are still today some limitations on the materials to be printed. A limit critical from an industrial point of view is the aging of PA12 powder, i.e. the degradation of its physical and chemical performances, due to the high temperatures and the long printing cycles, thus involving a decrease of the mechanical properties of the printed parts. The purpose of this study was to charaterize mechanically and dimensionally specimens printed in PA12 through SLS by means of virgin or aged powder, i.e. powder just used for five printing cycles. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, a set of specimens were designed, built, measured and mechanically tested; the obtained results were put into relationship with the values of the process parameters used to print them. Statistical tools to design the experiments and to analyse the obtained results were used. Findings The results show that the SLS process carried out through a Sintratec machine on PA12 powder has a good repeatability. To obtain the best dimensional and mechanical performances, it is needed to use virgin powder and place the part in the central zone of the printing area. Originality/value There are no scientific articles dealing with the influence of both the aging of the powder and the manufacturing parameters on the dimensional and mechanical characterization of specimens printed with SLS technique in PA12.

Numerical modeling and experimental verification of the composite material of PA12/HA with parameterized random distribution in selective laser sintering

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junchao Li ◽  
Yanan Yang ◽  
Ze Zhao ◽  
Ran Yan
Keyword(s):  
Composite Material ◽  
Random Distribution ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stress Changes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish a finite element (FE) model with the random distribution of the Nylon12/hydroxyapatite (PA12/HA) composite material in selective laser sintering (SLS) process for considering the material anisotropy, which aims to obtain the law of temperature and stress changes in PA12/HA sintering. Design/methodology/approach By using python script in Abaqus, the FE model is established in which the two materials are randomly distributed and are assigned to their intrinsic temperature-dependent physical parameters. Molten pool sizes at various process parameters were evaluated in terms of numerical simulation and scanning electron microscope analysis, identifying a good agreement between them. Evaluation of temperature and stress distribution under the condition of different HA contents was also conducted. Findings It shows that the uneven distribution and quantity of HA powder play a vital role in stress concentration and temperature increase. Additionally, the influence of HA addition on the mechanical performance of SLS-fabricated parts shows that it is conducive to improve compressive strength when the HA ratio is less than 5% because an excess of HA powder tends to bring about a certain amount of microspores resulting in a decrease in part density. Originality/value The FE model of the PA12/HA composite material with parameterized random distribution in SLS can be applied in other similar additive manufacturing technologies. It provides a feasible guideline for the numerical analysis of properties of composite materials.

Influence of part’s geometrical properties on shrinkage and laser heat affected zone size at selective laser sintering

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 208-220
Author(s):  
Tomaz Brajlih ◽  
Urska Kostevsek ◽  
Igor Drstvensek
Keyword(s):  
Heat Affected Zone ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Geometrical Properties ◽  
Laser Heat

Purpose One of the main problems of selective laser sintering (SLS) manufacturing process is the dimensional accuracy of products. Main causes of dimensional deviations are material shrinkage and size of laser heat affected zone (LHAZ). This paper aims to present a new method of adapting SLS manufacturing shrinkage and LHAZ compensation parameters to the geometrical characteristics of processed parts to improve their accuracy. Design/methodology/approach The first part of this work presents a hypothesis asserting that the shrinkage and the LHAZ size depend on geometrical properties of products. A method that defines geometrical properties by numerical influence factors is described in the continuation. A multi-factorial experiment with adaptable test part is set up. Then, test builds are manufactured on an SLS machine and measured with a three-dimensional optical scanner. Afterwards, the results are analysed in relation to the presumed hypothesis. Findings The analysis of variance of multi-factorial experiment proves the hypothesis and the influence of the geometrical properties on the accuracy of the SLS manufacturing process. Afterwards, a part is manufactured with adapted values of compensation parameters and the archived accuracy is discussed. Research limitations/implications Presented research is limited on a single SLS material. Also, some numerical factors are directly linked to the build volume dimensions of the SLS machine that was used in the experiment. However, results can be generalised and some guidelines for shrinkage and LHAZ compensation method are presented. Also, some guidelines for future research are proposed. Practical implications Based on the presented results, it can be determined that using constant shrinkage and LHAZ values on an SLS machine will not yield the same results in terms of accuracy if the geometrical properties of parts change significantly. Social implications By correctly adapting compensation values, the overall achievable accuracy of the SLS process can be achieved, enabling a more reliable production of mass-customised end-user parts such as customised medical accessories and devices for example. Originality/value A similar method of numerically describing geometrical properties of part in regard to SLS and directly adapting shrinkage and LHAZ compensation values to them for every individual build has not yet been proposed.

Study in performance and morphology of polyamide 12 produced by selective laser sintering technology

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 813-820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junjie Wu ◽  
Xiang Xu ◽  
Zhihao Zhao ◽  
Minjie Wang ◽  
Jie Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Polarized Light ◽  
Chain Scission ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Polyamide 12

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of selective laser sintering (SLS) method on morphology and performance of polyamide 12. Design/methodology/approach Crystallization behavior is critical to the properties of semi-crystalline polymers. The crystallization condition of SLS process is much different from others. The morphology of polyamide 12 produced by SLS technology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Findings Too low fill laser power brought about bad fusion of powders, while too high energy input resulted in bad performance due to chain scission of macromolecules. There were three types of crystal in the raw powder material, denoted as overgrowth crystal, ring-banded spherulite and normal spherulite. Originality/value In this work, SLS samples with different sintering parameters, as well as compression molding sample for the purpose of comparison, were made to study the morphology and crystal structure of sintered PA12 in detail.

Formability of the Layer Additive Ceramic Part

2008 ◽  
Vol 594 ◽  
pp. 241-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fwu Hsing Liu ◽  
Yunn Shiuan Liao ◽  
Hsiu Ping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Scanning Speed ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Single Line ◽  
Laser Scanning Speed ◽  
Silica Slurry

The material in powder state has long been used by selective laser sintering (SLS) for making rapid prototyping (RP) parts. A new approach to fabricate smoother surface roughness RP parts of ceramic material from slurry-sate has been developed in this study. The silica slurry was successfully laser-gelling in a self-developed laser sintering equipment. In order to overcome the insufficient bonding strength between layers, a strategy is proposed to generate ceramic parts from a single line, a single layer, to multi-layers of gelled cramic in this paper. It is found that when the overlap of each single line is 25% and the over-gel between layers is 30%, stronger and more accurate dimensional parts can be obtained under a laser power of 15W, a laser scanning speed of 250 mm/s, and a layer thickness of 0.1 mm. The 55:45 wt. % of the proportion between the silica powder and silica solution results in suitable viscosity of the ceramic slurries without precipitation. Furthermore, the effects of process parameters for the dimensional accuracy and surface roughness of the gelled parts are investigated and appropriate parameters are obtained.

Selection of selective laser sintering materials for different applications

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 630-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar Tiwari ◽  
Sarang Pande ◽  
Sanat Agrawal ◽  
Santosh M. Bobade
Keyword(s):  
Process Parameters ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Material Selection ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Optimal Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Volume Production ◽  
High Performance Application ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose and evaluate the selection of materials for the selective laser sintering (SLS) process, which is used for low-volume production in the engineering (e.g. light weight machines, architectural modelling, high performance application, manufacturing of fuel cell, etc.), medical and many others (e.g. art and hobbies, etc.) with a keen focus on meeting customer requirements. Design/methodology/approach – The work starts with understanding the optimal process parameters, an appropriate consolidation mechanism to control microstructure, and selection of appropriate materials satisfying the property requirement for specific application area that leads to optimization of materials. Findings – Fabricating the parts using optimal process parameters, appropriate consolidation mechanism and selecting the appropriate material considering the property requirement of applications can improve part characteristics, increase acceptability, sustainability, life cycle and reliability of the SLS-fabricated parts. Originality/value – The newly proposed material selection system based on properties requirement of applications has been proven, especially in cases where non-experts or student need to select SLS process materials according to the property requirement of applications. The selection of materials based on property requirement of application may be used by practitioners from not only the engineering field, medical field and many others like art and hobbies but also academics who wish to select materials of SLS process for different applications.

Experimental Study on Warping Height of PA12/HDPE Specimen by Selective Laser Sintering

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 430-433
Author(s):  
Nai Fei Ren ◽  
Pan Wang ◽  
Yan Luo ◽  
Hui Juan Wu
Keyword(s):  
Process Parameters ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Dimensional Accuracy ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Sintering Process ◽  
Influence Of Process Parameters ◽  
Optimum Parameters ◽  
Scan Speed ◽  
The Relationship

The dimensional accuracy and mechanics properties of parts made by Selective Laser Sintering depend greatly on the sintering process parameters. The influence of process parameters on warping weight of parts sintered by blends of polyamide (PA12) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) was studied. The relationship between the process parameters and the warping height was presented. The surface morphology of the part and uniformity of powder mixed were analyzed by SEM. The optimum parameters of minimum warping height were obtained: preheat temperature 110°C, scan speed 300mm/s, laser power 21W, thickness of single layer 0.2mm.

Study of the complementary usages of selective laser sintering during the high volume production of plastic parts

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomaz Brajlih ◽  
Matej Paulic ◽  
Tomaz Irgolic ◽  
Ziga Kadivnik ◽  
Joze Balic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Method ◽  
Product Availability ◽  
High Volume Production ◽  
The Times ◽  
Plastic Parts

Purpose This paper aims to present a comparison between selective laser sintering and injection moulding technology for the production of small batches of plastic products. Design/methodology/approach The comparison is based on analysing the time–cost efficiencies of each manufacturing process regarding the size of the series for the selected product sample. Both technologies are described and the times and costs of those individual processes needed to create a final product are assessed when using each of the manufacturing processes. Findings The study shows that the time-cost efficiency of the selected laser sintering technology increases according to the complexity of the product and decreases with increasing series size and product volume. Research limitations/implications The study and absolute values of the presented results are limited to a selected plastic product, but the series size-focused efficiency analysis could be expanded to general cases. Originality/value The presented analysis could be used as a general guideline for a decision-making process regarding the more efficient manufacturing method. In addition, the results show the viability of using selective laser sintering during the early stages of production when fast product availability is required, regardless of the series size. Also, some complementary effects of using both technologies in the serial production of the same part are discussed.

scholarly journals Shaping ceramics through indirect selective laser sintering

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 544-558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Patrick Deckers ◽  
Khuram Shahzad ◽  
Ludwig Cardon ◽  
Marleen Rombouts ◽  
Jozef Vleugels ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Dispersion Polymerization ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Powder Synthesis ◽  
Composite Powders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Nylon 12 ◽  
Furnace Sintering

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare different powder metallurgy (PM) processes to produce ceramic parts through additive manufacturing (AM). This creates the potential to rapidly shape ceramic parts with an almost unlimited shape freedom. In this paper, alumina (Al2O3) parts are produced, as Al2O3 is currently the most commonly used ceramic material for technical applications. Design/methodology/approach Variants of the following PM route, with indirect selective laser sintering (indirect SLS) as the AM shaping step, are explored to produce ceramic parts: powder synthesis, indirect SLS, binder removal and furnace sintering and alternative densification steps. Findings Freeform-shaped Al2O3 parts with densities up to approximately 90 per cent are obtained. Research limitations/implications The resulting Al2O3 parts contain inter-agglomerate pores. To produce higher-quality ceramic parts through indirect SLS, these pores should be avoided or eliminated. Originality/value The research is innovative in many ways. First, composite powders are produced using different powder production methods, such as temperature-induced phase separation and dispersion polymerization. Second, four different binder materials are investigated: polyamide (nylon-12), polystyrene, polypropylene and a carnauba wax – low-density polyethylene combination. Further, to produce ceramic parts with increased density, the following densification techniques are investigated as additional steps of the PM process: laser remelting, isostatic pressing and infiltration.

scholarly journals Environmental impact modeling of selective laser sintering processes

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 459-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karel Kellens ◽  
Renaldi Renaldi ◽  
Wim Dewulf ◽  
Jean-pierre Kruth ◽  
Joost R. Duflou
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Selective Laser Sintering ◽  
Laser Sintering ◽  
Resource Consumption ◽  
Parametric Models ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Environmental Footprint ◽  
Design Features ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Impact Reduction

Purpose – This paper aims to present parametric models to estimate the environmental footprint of the selective laser sintering (SLS)’ production phase, covering energy and resource consumption as well as process emissions. Additive manufacturing processes such as (SLS) are often considered to be more sustainable then conventional manufacturing methods. However, quantitative analyses of the environmental impact of these processes are still limited and mainly focus on energy consumption. Design/methodology/approach – The required Life Cycle Inventory data are collected using the CO2PE! – Methodology, including time, power, consumables and emission studies. Multiple linear regression analyses have been applied to investigate the interrelationships between product design features on the one hand and production time (energy and resource consumption) on the other hand. Findings – The proposed parametric process models provide accurate estimations of the environmental footprint of SLS processes based on two design features, build height and volume, and help to identify and quantify measures for significant impact reduction of both involved products and the supporting machine tools. Practical implications – The gained environmental insight can be used as input for ecodesign activities, as well as environmental comparison of alternative manufacturing process plans. Originality/value – This article aims to overcome the current lack of environmental impact models, covering energy and resource consumption as well as process emissions for SLS processes.

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