Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an efficient process in additive
manufacturing that enables rapid part production from computer-based designs.
However, SLS is limited by its notable lack of in-situ process monitoring when
compared to other manufacturing processes. We report the incorporation of
optical coherence tomography into an SLS system in detail and demonstrate access
to surface and sub-surface features. Video frame rate cross-sectional imaging
reveals areas of sintering uniformity and areas of excessive heat error with
high temporal resolution. We propose a set of image processing techniques for
SLS process monitoring with OCT and report the limitations and obstacles for
further OCT integration with SLS systems.
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