Comparison of forming manufacturing processes and selective laser melting technology based on the mechanical properties of products

Abstract

This study analyses the behaviour of real parts produced with Selective Laser Melting (SLM) during traction, compression and flexure tests compared to conventionally processed products. Comparisons help industrial companies to evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of SLM against forming manufacturing technologies. Three-dimensional (3D) models of four conventional final products were generated by 3D scanning. Force and elongation were measured in a testing machine and the characteristics of the final products were compared. The experiments conducted show that parts produced with SLM technology can better support forces and elongations than parts produced with forming manufacturing technologies. It was assumed that process parameters, building direction, and material all have an effect on mechanical properties. Process parameters given by machine vendors are used to manufacture the parts. The comparison of mechanical properties between forming and SLM technologies provides useful knowledge for mechanical parts development. Spare parts have a good future in SLM technology. This work quantifies the performance of the SLM technique when it comes to producing real mechanical parts. It shows that the SLM technique produces better results than the forming process.