Fatigue Reliability of Selective Laser Sintered (SLS) Components Using Weibull Analysis

Selective laser sintered metallic specimens were tested for fatigue cycles to failure and analyzed for reliability. In this study, Taguchi’s experimental techniques were used to develop a modified L9 orthogonal array. Three different process parameters, laser power, scan spacing and slice thickness were selected for manufacturing the components. Fatigue testing was carried out as per ASTM standards and relationship of the process parameters on the fatigue cycles to failure was investigated. ANOVA method was used to find the dependence of the process parameters and to find the influence of main process parameter on fatigue cycles to failure of the specimens. Laser power was found to be the most significant factor compared to scan speed and slice thickness. Two-parameter Weibull method was used for the reliability studies by which reliability was estimated for different cycles to failure.

A Study on Topology of Lateral Surface of Components Manufactured by Selective Laser Sintering

This work presents the results of a study carried out to determine the topology of lateral surface and its effect on the process parameters of components manufactured by selective laser sintering (SLS). Using Taguchi’s experimental technique, an orthogonal array of L4 had been developed. Surface roughness was measured along built direction and analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was used to investigate the effect of process parameters and to identify main process parameter that influences surface roughness on SLS components. It has been found that slice thickness and scan spacing have more significant influence than the laser power. Microstructure of the sintered specimen along the build direction was studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It was observed that variations in slice thickness affect surface topology of SLS components.

Study on the Effect of Process Parameters on Reciprocating Wear Behavior of Components Produced by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

This work presents the results of a study carried out to determine the reciprocating wear behavior and its effect on the process parameters of components manufactured by selective laser sintering (SLS). A standard procedure and specimen had been used in the present study to find the wear behavior. Using Taguchi’s experimental technique, an orthogonal array of modified L9 had been developed. Reciprocating wear testing was carried out and analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was used to investigate the effect of process parameters and to identify the main process parameter that influences the properties of wear behavior on the SLS components. It has been found that laser power had more influence on wear as compared to other selected process parameters. Micro-structural analysis was also carried out using scanning electron microscope on the wear testing sample.