Production of prototype parts using direct metal laser sintering technology

Abstract

Unconventional methods of modern materials preparation include additive technologies which involve the sintering of powders of different chemical composition, granularity, physical, chemical and other utility properties. The technology called Rapid Prototyping, which uses different technological principles of producing components, belongs to this type of material preparation. The Rapid Prototyping technology facilities use photopolymers, thermoplastics, specially treated paper or metal powders. The advantage is the direct production of metal parts from input data and the fact that there is no need for the production of special tools (moulds, press tools, etc.). Unused powder from sintering technologies is re-used for production 98 % of the time, which means that the process is economical, as well as ecological. The present paper discusses the technology of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), which falls into the group of additive technologies of Rapid Prototyping (RP). The major objective is a detailed description of DMLS, pointing out the benefits it offers and its application in practice. The practical part describes the production and provides an economic comparison of several prototype parts that were designed for testing in the automotive industry.