Direct Metal Laser Sintering, robotic applications

Authors and full affiliations:

D. Manfredi, F. Calignano, E. P. Ambrosio, M.Krishnan, R. Canali, S. Biamino, M. Pavese, E. Atzeni, L. Iuliano, P. Fino, C. Badini

Keywords:

Additive manufacturing (AM) - Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) - Aluminium alloy Mechanical properties - Electron microscopy - Lightweight structures

Purpose:

This approach permits to extend significantly the freedom of design and manufacture by allowing, for example, to create an object with desired shape and internal structure in a single fabrication step

Design/Methodology/Approach:

All the steps involved in the production of Al alloy pieces by DMLS; Fase 1(STL file by 3D cam model), fase 2(support structure), fase 3(slicing), fase 4(part build), fase 5(stress relieving), fase 6(shot peening), fase 7(aluminium part)

Findings:

Shorter time to market, higher production speed, versatility, high precision of parts, ability to produce more functionality in parts with unique design and engineered features. In particular, it allows to create fully functional parts directly from metal powders without using intermediate binders or further processing steps after the laser sintering operation

Limitations/Benefits:

DMLS makes it possible to create fully functional parts directly from metal powders without using any intermediate binders or any additional processing steps after the laser sintering operation, except only for surface finishing depending on the single application.

Full reference:

MANFREDI, D., et al. Direct metal laser sintering: an additive manufacturing technology ready to produce lightweight structural parts for robotic applications. La metallurgia italiana, 2013, 10.

Link(s):

https://www.gruppofrattura.it/ors/index.php/aim/article/viewFile/1210/1163