The influence of the energy density on dimensional, geometric, mechanical and morphological properties of SLS parts produced with single and multiple exposure types

Abstract

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a Powder Bed Fusion technology that embraces a large number of variables influencing the properties of the parts produced. The well-known dependence and complex interaction established between the main process parameters demands continuous empirical research for effective SLS monitoring. The assessment of the energy density supplied by the laser beam to the powder bed during the process, that depends on the combination of the laser power, hatch distance, scan speed and layer thickness, is frequently considered for that purpose. Therefore, this research intends to evaluate the influence of the energy density on the dimensional, geometric, mechanical and morphological properties of SLS parts produced with conventional Polyamide 12 material. In this study, we considered different hatching and contour parameters in the energy range between 0.158 J/mm3 and 0.398 J/mm3 through single and multiple exposure types defining individual and combined parameterization sets, respectively. Results from X-ray computed tomography, tensile tests and scanning electron microscopy show that the implementation of a skin/core configuration allows the production of SLS parts with a valuable set of properties, minimizing the trade-off between mechanical strength and overall accuracy.