A study on shrinkage compensation of the SLS process by using the Taguchi method

This paper proposes the test pieces of the X, Y. and Z axes to compensate for the distortion of the SLS parts resulting from the phase changes during the sintering process. In the case of the test pieces proposed for the compensation of the X and Y axes, the accurate rates of shrinkage can be measured with the reduction of curling that is obtained from the adjustment of the building orientation. A set of basic equations is suggested as a useful scale factor to adapt the shrinkage rate. The scale factors of the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the build-up of the compensation test pieces of each axis are required to satisfy the dimensional accuracy, even if there is any change in the build position and the size of the SLS parts in the chamber. A new approach is investigated that enables the operator to determine the optimal scale factors for an actual SLS process applying the Taguchi method. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.