Quantifying the degree of particle melt in Selective Laser Sintering (R)

This research highlights the fact that individual particles are melted to different degrees during Selective Laser Sintering (R) (SLS) of Nylon 12. Many particles comprise an un-melted core, surrounded by a melted and crystallised mass that bonds with other particles. Methods to quantify the Degree of Particle Melt (DPM), including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis and optical microscopy analysis, are compared against each other and against mechanical properties of parts manufactured under different conditions. The results show that the derived DPM has a close correlation with mechanical properties. This represents a new depth of understanding of the SLS process. (C) 2009 CIRP.