Systematic Development of a Powder Deposition System for an Open Selective Laser Sintering Machine Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

This work reports on the design and manufacture of an efficient system for powder deposition into layers in an open Selective Laser Sintering machine. The system comprises mainly two subsystems, i.e., one that deposits a dose of powder onto the worktable and another that levels the powder upon its deposition. The design was conducted in two phases, namely conceptualization of the system and its detailed design. The conceptualization phase exploited the Analytic Hierarchy Process to evaluate alternative mechanical systems and determine the most suitable one. This was subsequently detail-designed using a CAD software package and then followed by selection of the necessary electronics for imparting and controlling motion of the individual mechanisms comprising the system. As regards manufacturing, custom designed components were obtained by CNC machining and the entire mechanism was assembled on an open Selective Laser Sintering machine. Functionality testing of the system was performed with satisfactory results.