SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING AS AN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING CERAMIC COMPONENTS

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) has the advantage of directly manufacturing complex-shaped parts without the uneconomic loss of material found when using conventional methods. The Fraunhofer IKTS has conducted research on the laser sintering of SiC and different hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders, includi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology 2013-03, Vol.4 (1), p.33-40
Main Authors: Ahlhelm, M, Richter, H-J, Haderk, K
Format: Magazinearticle
Language:English
Subjects:
Aircraft components
Automotive components
Ceramics
Channels
Cooling
Laser sintering
Selective laser sintering
Silicon carbide
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Summary:Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) has the advantage of directly manufacturing complex-shaped parts without the uneconomic loss of material found when using conventional methods. The Fraunhofer IKTS has conducted research on the laser sintering of SiC and different hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders, including mixtures of HAp and PEEK. The HAp powders were characterised based on their laser sintering ability with the variation of process parameters such as spreading behaviour, different grain shape and size, hatch clearance, etc. More detailed research has been conducted on the laser sintering of SiSiC components. After infiltration and pyrolysis of laser-sintered SiC parts, the resulting SiSiC components showed similar mechanical characteristics to those of conventionally processed SiSiC components. Different complex geometries were realised e.g. a 120-mm honeycomb-structured mirror support model (wall thickness of 1 mm, for aerospace applications) and a small turbine rotor (minimal wall thickness of 0.3 mm) as a demonstrator part for automotive components. A laser mirror with integrated cooling channels for application in movable beam arms for laser material processing was also manufactured. An SiSiC injection moulding tool insert (about 35 mm diameter x 30 mm height) with a complex-structured surface and inner cooling channels was also generated. Future research will deal with more complex designs and other ceramics, as well as metal-ceramic hybrids.
ISSN:2190-9385
DOI:10.4416/JCST2012-00024