Novel scan path generation method based on area division for SFFS

A solid freeform fabrication (SFF) system using selective laser sintering (SLS) is currently recognized as a leading process of fabrication using variable materials, and SLS extends the application to machinery and automobiles. Due to the time delay in the sintering process, shrinkage and warping often occur. Curling also occurs due to laser and scan delays. These problems affect not only the accuracy of the fabricated product but also the total system efficiency. These deficiencies can be overcome by reducing the total processing time of the SFF system. To accomplish this, the laser scanning time, from mark (laser on) to jump (laser off), must be reduced as it contributes the major part of the total processing time. This can be done by employing area division scan path generation, which promotes digital efficiency. A simulation and an experiment was carried out in this study to evaluate the developed scan path method.