Effect of Support Structure Design on the Part Built Using Selective Laser Melting

Abstract

Support structures are needed to successfully build parts using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) in order to support overhanging surfaces to disperse process heat, minimalize geometrical deformation induced by residual stresses and hold the work piece in its place. These structures need extra post-processing time for their removal and are often massive. Reduce in amount of support structures would significantly decrease finishing efforts and manufacturing costs. The design of support structure can influence the manufacturability of more complex metal parts, energy and material utilization. In this research, it focuses on finding the design of support structure which can reduce deformation of the resulting print part with lowest volume of material used and easy to be removed during post processing. Experimental result revealed that change in design and parameter of support structure and sample orientation influence the amount of deformation, build time and support removability.