EOS P 396 - Factors Affecting Laser Sintering

Laser sintering process
2.3
Training manual • Basic training • Status 03.14
EOS P 396
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Factors that affect the laser sintering process
The laser sintering process is affected by the following factors:
➢ Building temperature
➢ Exposure
➢ Process-related effects
➢ Ambient conditions.
To ensure the sintered part meets the quality requirements, these factors must be
taken into account on setting the machine parameters, material parameters as well
as on the selection of the exposure type.
Building temperature
A prerequisite for a trouble-free laser sintering process is the optimum building
temperature. The recommended building temperature is listed in the parameter sheet
for the machine and is dependent on the machine type and the plastic powder used.
At an excessively low building temperature, the outer areas of a layer roll upward.
This behaviour is called curling.
The building temperature must be increased in steps until curling no longer occurs.
Building temperature = process chamber temperature
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1 Straight test corner with optimum
building temperature
2 Bed of powder
3 Curled test corner with building
temperature that is too low