ROBUST MANUFACTURING OF AlSi10Mg PARTS ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED BY SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING

Size and shape distribution of the metal particles, dictates the powder interactions during the Additive Manufacturing (AM) process and therefore influences the microstructure and the physical properties of the parts manufactured. Spherical, or otherwise rounded particles, are preferred for reasons of improved powder flow, leading to structurally homogenous sound parts. Hence, powder properties effects were examined from two correlative aspects. The influence of AM Selective Laser Sintering (SLM) cycles on the powder (AlSi10Mg) characteristics and powder initial parameters effect on the mechanical properties of the AM products. It was found that AM cycles with a constant Hatching strategy has minor influence on the powder characteristics. Moreover, the AM process was found to be robust, with minor dependency on the initial powder characteristics.