Response surface‐based simulation modeling for selective laser sintering process

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to predict the optimum settings of the process parameters for selective laser sintering process.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation model is prepared using author written subroutines in ANSYS^® Parametric Design Language (APDL™) environment. The simulation model is then run at the experimentally designed points using central composite design approach. Based on the observations, a response surface is generated for the density of a sintered part as a function of various process parameters.

Findings

The results indicate the optimum settings of the process variables to achieve a desired value of the density.

Research limitations/implications

The developed simulation model can be used to predict the density of the final part with limited part geometries and may not be applicable for the complex shapes or with irregular features.

Practical implications

The parameter settings as predicted by the simulation model may not be reproduced exactly by the experimental readings.

Originality/value

The results of the simulation study concur with previous investigation by other researchers. Hence, the model can be suitably modified according to available data for different materials (amorphous and crystalline) taking the due considerations.

Citation

Singh, A.K. and Srinivasa Prakash, R. (2010), "Response surface‐based simulation modeling for selective laser sintering process", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 16 No. 6, pp. 441-449. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552541011083362