Laser polishing parameter optimisation on selective laser sintered parts
by E. Ukar, A. Lamikiz, L.N. Lopez De Lacalle, D. Del Pozo, F. Liebana, A. Sanchez
International Journal of Machining and Machinability of Materials (IJMMM), Vol. 8, No. 3/4, 2010

Abstract: This paper presents the effect of the laser-polishing process applied to parts built-up by selective laser sintering (SLS). One of the main drawbacks of the SLS technique is the high surface roughness of resulting parts. Therefore, a final polishing process is necessary to be valid for operation conditions. Polishing processes are usually carried out by manual abrasive techniques. In the present paper, a surface polishing method based on laser irradiation is presented to automate the polishing operation. The laser polishing process is based on a surface microscopic layer melting, which re-solidifies under shielding gas protective conditions, resulting on a smoother surface. Laser-polishing tests for lines, horizontal areas, inclined planes and a sample real part were performed, with satisfactory results in all the cases. The experimental tests were carried out on LaserForm ST-100^© sintered test parts with an initial roughness of 7.5 to 7.8 μm Ra. Experimental results present final surface roughness below to 1.49 μm Ra, which represent a reduction of the mean roughness over 80%.

Online publication date: Fri, 22-Oct-2010

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