Abstract

A well-known limitation of powder bed additive manufacturing techniques for metals is the requirement of support structures on down-facing surfaces. The aim of this research is addressed to the evaluation of geometrical parameters of self-supporting faces and estimation of the achievable tolerance of surfaces built without requiring a support structure. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach is adopted to explore the significance of key parameters such as angle, curvature and slenderness of overhanging surfaces. Deviation between the actual and the nominal CAD geometries is computed, and results are processed following the tolerance unit method defined in international standards (IT grade). At the end of this study, the closest tolerance obtainable on self-supporting faces and related geometrical parameters are identified, limited to Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) of aluminium parts.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.