Title: Statistical analysis of compressive strength for the reliability of parts produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)

Authors: C.D. Naiju; M. Adithan; P. Radhakrishnan

Addresses: School of Mechanical and Building Sciences, VIT University, Vellore 14, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Academic Staff College, VIT University, Vellore 14, Tamil Nadu, India. ' Institute of Advanced Studies, PSG Tech, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: A study was carried out to find the reliability of components manufactured by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) for compressive strength. An orthogonal array of modified L8 experimental design using Taguchi's experimental design techniques was developed and used. Test results were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique to identify the main process parameter that influences the compressive strength. It has been found that infiltration had more influence on compressive strength as compared to other process parameters. Regression analysis shows that regression model for compressive strength is within the significance level and adequate within 90%. Detailed investigations on reliability using Weibull analysis shows that the distribution plot and were considered as a good design for Weibull analysis. The Weibull distribution method can be used for describing the distribution of times to compressive strength of rapid prototyped components using DMLS for functional applications.

Keywords: direct metal laser sintering; DMLS; Taguchi methods; compressive strength; analysis of variance; ANOVA; component reliability; Weibull analysis; rapid prototyping.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMATEI.2012.049267

International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.282 - 294

Published online: 23 Aug 2014 *

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