Effect of laser power ratios on sinterability and physical properties of 3D prototypes sintered using selective laser sintering

Aim: This study was intended to investigate the effect of laser power ratios (LPRs) on the sinterability and sintering performance of selective laser sintering (SLS) mediated 3D prototypes. Materials & methods: Physical mixtures (PMs) containing Kollidon SR (98.75% w/w) and IR-absorbing dye (1.25% w/w) were evaluated for flow characteristics and particle size. The same PMs were subjected to SLS-mediated prototyping at constant printing temperatures (feed bed temperature 30°C and print bed temperature 40°C) over a range of LPRs. Results & conclusion: With favoured particle size and flow properties, this PMs was found to be suitable for SLS-mediated 3D printing. Sinterability and sintering performance were improved incrementally throughout the range of studied LPRs. The best sintering performance in terms of dimensional accuracy and printing yield was achieved at the highest LPR (3.0). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted topography of cross-sectioned sintered printlets.