Investigation onto the reliability of the selective laser melting process

Abstract

The paper aims to offer the readers knowledge and information, to support new implementation and use of the SLM technology for practical applications and to obtain good metal parts for end users. The SLM parameters and conditions were evaluated to set up a scale and estimate how reliable the SLM-AM process is, on a particular type of machine. The experimental research was carried out in the last years by the authors, using the Realizer 250 machine. Many times, there is a lack of repeatability and reliability of the SLM process. The paper is presenting a new method to evaluate the repeatability and the surface roughness, when processing four types of powder materials, mainly for medical applications. Specimens were manufactured from four materials considered as being bio-metals: pure Titanium, Ti6Al7Nb, CoCr, and CoCrWMo. All these important features of the SLM parts were for seen by the authors in close relation with the mechanical characteristics of the parts. In this way, a good instrument is offered for further FEA applications, such as static and dynamic analysis. The main achievement of this paper is our proposed methodology, useful for a new user to design and analyse a specific practical SLM part. In this way, it will be possible for sure to manufacture that part by SLM, using the Realizer 250 machine, from one of the four types of materials, that the authors are presenting detailed data regarding their physical-mechanical properties.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Process Parameters on the Build Time and Part Accuracy of Direct Metal Laser Sintering Components

“…Qadri [4] performed the experimental work and analysed the results of Selective Laser Sintering Rapid Prototyping process parameters, arriving at the conclusion that the sur values obtained at various Part Orientations are optimum at level I (0degree). The roughness number is highest at level II and lowest at level I. Dan Leordean [5] et al studied the reliability ranking technique outlined in this paper is useful for initial SLM machine users. There are numerous modern research techniques on how to improve certain aspects of the SLM parts in the literature.…”