Statistical quality characterization of selective laser melting (SLM) for additive manufacturing

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jacob Bly Rogers (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Aaron Ball

Abstract: Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a relatively new technology to the rapid prototyping field. The process is unique in that it can produce rapid prototyped metal parts vs. conventional polymer three dimensional printing. The benefit of Selective Laser Melting is that metal parts can be made that would not be capable of being created through traditional machining techniques. Selective Laser Melting is also advantageous because the production of similar parts compared to traditional machining requires less skill and training, which equates to cost reduction.The College of Engineering and Technology has acquired an EOS M290 Selective Laser Melting machine that has not yet been validated. Validating the SLM machine will benefit future research by establishing the machine capability. Future research will depend on this information as a basis for further development of rapid prototyping techniques. This will also support the Center for Rapid Product Realization for clients by increasing the quality of parts produced and increasing the opportunities available by broadening the scope of their current capabilities. Both of these will promote and support further economic development for the region as well as the university.purpose of the study will be to use statistical quality methodology to characterize SLM printing with regards to machine capability. This study will use Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine how part placement on the build plate affects machine capability. Ultimately, the results of the statistical analysis may provide EOS M290 users a better understanding of how build plate location affects part geometry capability related to height and diameter.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2016
Keywords
Additive Manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting, SLM
Subjects
Lasers -- Industrial applications
Rapid prototyping
Manufactures -- Technological innovations
Production engineering
Optical communications
Analysis of variance

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