Microparts by a Novel Modificaton of Selective Laser Sintering

~ 2003 RTAM/SME DICK AUBIN DISTINGUISHED PAPER AWARD ~

Microparts with a structural resolution of < 30 µm and aspect ratios of > 10 have been generated by selective laser sintering. The technique includes sintering under conditions of vacuum or reduced shield gas pressure. A novel setup and raking procedure is employed. The material is processes by a 1,064 nm Nd-YAG laser. The procedure allows the workpieces to be generated from powders of high melting metals like tungsten as well as lower melting metals like aluminum and copper. Contingent on the parameters, the generated bodies are either firmly attached to the substrate or can be dissevered by a nondestructive method.

Presented at: RAPID PROTOTYPING & MANUFACTURING 2003, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, May 12-15, 2003, Chicago, IL.