An Investigation of Process Variables Influencing Fatigue Properties of Components Produced by Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Abstract

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is one of the methods in layered manufacturing technologies by which metal powder can be directly used to produce both prototype and production tools. Fatigue strength is one of the important mechanical properties for the functional application of DMLS parts. This study was carried out to determine the optimum process parameters influencing the fatigue cycles to failure of DMLS components. Sintering speed, scan spacing, post-contouring speed, infiltration and hatch type are the process parameters taken up for the study. Statistical design of experiments using Taguchi’s orthogonal array was employed for this study. Experimental data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). From the results, it is found that one of the process parameters, sintering speed affects the fatigue properties of parts produced by this technology to a significant extent