Accuracy Problems of Additive Manufacturing Using SLS/SLM Processes

Additive Manufacturing (AM) based on Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is relatively widely used to manufacture complex shape parts made from metallic alloys, ceramic and polymers. One of main problems are related to guarantee shape, dimensional accuracy as well as surface quality of manufactured product. Main sources of inaccuracy related to SLS/SLM process course are being presented in this paper. Thermal model of powder layer heated up and molten by laser beam as well as solidification process of molten powder material is being presented. Based on sensitivity analysis performed for one-dimensional (1D) thermal model determined influence of changes in laser beam parameters (power, spot diameter, exposition time) and changes in powder layer properties on dimensions of single track of molten material.