Optimization on selective laser sintering of metallic powder via design of experiments method

Purpose – The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of various parameters on rapid prototyping parts for processes of sintering metallic powder by using Nd:YAG laser via the design of experiments (DOE) method.Design/methodology/approach – Experiments based on the DOE method were utilized to determine an optimal parameter setting for achieving a minimum amount of porosities in specimens during the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was further conducted to identify significant factors.Findings – A regression model predicting percentages of porosities under various conditions was developed when the traditional Taguchi's approach failed to identify a feasible model due to strong interactions of controlled factors. The significant factors to the process were identified by ANOVA.Research limitations/implications – Four controlled factors including pulse frequencies and pulse durations of laser beams, times of strikes of a pulse applying on a single laser spot a...

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