Theoretical Study on Overlapping Mechanism in SLM Based on Interlayer-Staggered Scan Strategy

In the study of the overlapping mechanism in selective laser melting (SLM) process based on interlayer-staggered scan strategy, relationship between the intra-layer overlapping rate and the inter-layer overlapping rate was obtained by theoretical deduction based on the continuity of layers; the overlapping mechanism and the depositing efficiency were later analyzed. Results showed that three types of overlapping mechanism exist under different values of overlapping rate: the intra-layer overlapping mechanism, the inter-layer overlapping mechanism and the mixed overlapping mechanism with coexistence of the first two types; the maximal depositing efficiency of intra-layer overlapping mechanism and inter-layer overlapping mechanism is 0.38 and 0.5 respectively. This study has provided basic theory for improving depositing efficiency in SLM process.