Selective Laser Sintering of SiC/Polyamide Matrix Composites

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study into the production of particulate Silicon Carbide/Duraform Polyamide matrix composites via the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. FEPA standard SiC grits, F240 and F360, were each individually blended with the commercially available Duraform Polyamide, to produce blend compositions of 50 and 60 volume percent SiC for direct SLS processing. A full factorial experimental approach was applied to examine the effects and interactions of laser power, scan speed, scan spacing and layer thickness, with regards to the mechanical and physical properties of sintered parts. Analysis of parameter interactions and individual main effects as well as Pareto analysis for all parameter combinations are presented for the responses of part porosity and strength.