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CH3 SLECTIVE LASER

SINTERING
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS, registered
trademark by DTM of Austin, Texas, USA) is a
process that was patented in 1989 by Carl
Deckard, a University of Texas graduate student

The selective laser sintering stations (SLS) use a


plastic powder to create prototype parts. The
powder is melted, layer by layer, by a computer-
directed heat laser. Additional powder is deposited
on top of each solidified layer and again sintered.
PROCESS
 a laser beam is traced over the surface of a tightly
compacted powder made of thermoplastic material .
 The powder is spread by a roller over the surface of a
build cylinder .
 A piston moves down one object layer thickness to
accommodate the layer of powder.
 The powder supply system is similar in function to
the build cylinder. It also comprises a cylinder and
piston. In this case the piston moves upward
incrementally to supply powder for the process.
PROCESS
 Heat from the laser melts the powder where it strikes
under guidance of the scanner system .
 The CO2 laser used provides a concentrated infrared
heating beam. The entire fabrication chamber is sealed
and maintained at a temperature just below the melting
point of the plastic powder.
 Thus, heat from the laser need only elevate the
temperature slightly to cause sintering, greatly
speeding the process.
 A nitrogen atmosphere is also maintained in the
fabrication chamber which prevents the possibility of
explosion in the handling of large quantities of powder.
SINTERSTATION 2500 PLUS

Build chamber dimension 381 x 330 x 457 mm

Laser 50 or 100 Watt CO2 (beam dia= 0.420 mm)

Beam delivery system M3St Galvanometer 3 axis Scan speed =


5.000mm/s positional accuracy = 50mm

Software Windows NT DTM sinterstation system software


materialize NV, magics

Computer system Pentium based controller


SINTERSTATION 2500 PLUS

System dimensions Process station =2133 x 1346 x 1981 mm


Computer cabinet =609 x 609 x 1828mm
Chiller = 533 x 838 x 914 mm
Peripherals Breakout station/ air handler/ sifter, vacuum cleaner

Power requirements 240 VAC,12.5 KVA,50/60 Hz, 3-phase

Nitrogen requirements Purity = 99.9%


Minimum pressure = 1.7 bars
Continuous flow rate= 191lpm
Atmospheric Temperature range = 150 to 270 C
requirements Relative humidity =<60%
EOSIHT P350
Building volume 340 x 340 x 600 mm3

Laser type CO2,50W

Laser scan speed Up to 5m/s

Building speed 10-25 mm height

Layer thickness 0.1-0.2 mm

Process computer PC

Electrical supply 400 V, 32 A


EOSIHT P350
Compressed air supply Minimum 5.000 hPa, 6m3/h

Cooling water supply 1.500hPa-4.000HpA, 5 l/min

Dimensions mm Process cabinet 1.250 x 1.300 x 2.150


Control cabinet 610 x 820 x 1.785

Weight Approx. 800kg

Workstation Silicon graphics indigo

PC Windows 95, windows NT

Interface to CAD Standard : STL,CLI


Optional : VDA-FS,IGES,CATIA
ADVANTAGES
 Parts and/or assemblies that move and work that have a good
surface finish and feature detail
 Selective laser sintering (SLS) gives the capability of flexible
snaps and living hinges as well as high stress and heat
tolerance
 Wide variety of materials such as flexible and rigid plastics,
electrometric materials, fully dense metals and casting patterns
 inexpensive materials
 safe materials
 supports not needed
 reduced distortion from stresses
 produce parts simultaneously
DISADVANTAGES
 rough surface finish ("stair step effect")
 porosity of parts
 the first layers may require a base anchor to
reduce thermal effects (e.g. curl)
 part density may vary
 material changes require cleaning of machine
APPLICATIONS
 Parts for mechanical and thermal tests
 Series of small plastic parts
 Large and complex functional parts
 Master patterns for castings and secondary
processes
 Functional models.
Case Study 1:

 One of the early products developed by ARAD was the Moonshine


and the Moonshine Magnum. These products were developed for a
major aquatic product distributor and are currently sold to
marine/reef aquarists worldwide.
 The design intent was to create a light source that provides
artificial moonlight to the reef aquarium. The light emitted
simulates natural moonlight and promotes photosynthesis, healthy
feeding and reproductive behavior in the life cycle of invertebrates
and other marine organisms.
 Responding to the client needs, ARAD was able to realize the
design objectives in a compact, convenient and cost effective
device using our design expertise and state of the art LED
technology. The finished products were then produced by ARAD
at its US based facility.
Case Study 2:
 ARAD was asked if its LED moonlight technology could be
retro-fitted to be housed in metal halide fixtures. The design
requirement from the customer was to provide ARAD’s
Moonlight technology in a structure that will withstand the
extremely high temperature found inside metal halide
assemblies.
 There was no comparable product in existence and attempts by
other designers were unsuccessful. Drawing its expertise in
metal design, ARAD designs a LED light encased in a sleek
metal housing. The product becomes very popular as this is
the industry’s first successful and production-ready
combination of metal halide and LED lights. To date there is
still not a product out there like it.

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