SLS Process Parameter Optimization to Improve Surface Quality and Accuracy of Polyamide Parts

Abstract

The contribution of selective laser sintering (SLS) technique in the 4.0 manufacturing industry is undisputedly significant. SLS part quality exhibits high dependence on SLS process parameters and is a major challenge. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of input parameters (i.e., part orientation, bed temperature, and layer thickness) on the surface roughness and accuracy of laser-sintered polyamide specimens. Response surface methodology (RSM) and ANOVA analysis aided the testing and evaluation. Optimal working conditions for minimum shrinkage were 0.17 mm layer thickness, 177.89°C part bed temperature, and part orientation at 88.91 degrees. The surface quality deteriorated with the increment in part bed temperature and layer thickness, and it shows an inverse trend (or improves) with the part orientation in the prescribed range. The optimal surface roughness was at a layer thickness of 0.11 mm, bed temperature at 174.55°C, and part orientation at 86.5 degrees.