Article: Mechanical characterisation of metal material properties in additive layer processes Journal: International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems (IJMMS) 2012 Vol.5 No.3/4 pp.189 - 213 Abstract: This paper presents experimental work to demonstrate the effects of machine parameters on mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, roughness and build time in SLS, DMLS and LC technologies. The research was carried out using a design of experiments methodology, which involved using three parameters with two levels each, and measuring the different results. The experiments conducted showed that build direction had the most effect on mechanical properties and accuracy. However, a thickness effect on Young's modulus when the LC process was used was also observed. It is assumed that the process parameters for that material developed by the machine vendor would give optimum results, but it was demonstrated that results can vary depending on the process parameters used. Two major applications have been made from this research: the results help industrial companies estimate mechanical properties before part production and it provides a useful comparison of technologies with different build process parameters. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Mechanical characterisation of metal material properties in additive layer processes

Authors: Jordi Delgado; Joaquim Ciurana

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction Department, University of Girona, Av. Lluis Santalo s/n, 17071, Girona, Spain. ' Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction Department, University of Girona, Av. Lluis Santalo s/n, 17071, Girona, Spain

Abstract: This paper presents experimental work to demonstrate the effects of machine parameters on mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, roughness and build time in SLS, DMLS and LC technologies. The research was carried out using a design of experiments methodology, which involved using three parameters with two levels each, and measuring the different results. The experiments conducted showed that build direction had the most effect on mechanical properties and accuracy. However, a thickness effect on Young's modulus when the LC process was used was also observed. It is assumed that the process parameters for that material developed by the machine vendor would give optimum results, but it was demonstrated that results can vary depending on the process parameters used. Two major applications have been made from this research: the results help industrial companies estimate mechanical properties before part production and it provides a useful comparison of technologies with different build process parameters.

Keywords: mechanical properties; layer manufacturing; additive layer manufacturing; additive manufacturing; dimensional accuracy; roughness; build time; LaserCusing; direct metal laser sintering; DMLS; selective laser sintering; SLS; design of experiments; DOE; thickness effect; process parameters; metal parts; rapid manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMS.2012.048223

International Journal of Mechatronics and Manufacturing Systems, 2012 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.189 - 213

Received: 17 Apr 2010
Accepted: 29 Nov 2010
Published online: 21 Aug 2014 *

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Title: Mechanical characterisation of metal material properties in additive layer processes

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