The Simulation of the SLS Process as the Basis of a Process Optimization 377

In this work, a new model of the SLS process is introduced, offering the chance of analytically optimizing Selective Laser Sintering. The laser energy input is calculated by considering multiple scattering in the powder bed. The heat transfer is described by a new model which considers the heat flow through the growing sintering neck, and the sintering dynamics are determined by a new viscoelastic sintering model. All theoretical models are verified through experiments at near SLS conditions and are implemented in an enhanced FEM simulation of the process. Through this simulation, the major problems of the Selective Laser Sintering are illustrated and approaches for optimization of the SLS process are shown.