Comparisons of Indirect Selective Laser Sintering with Selective Laser Melting

Selective Laser Sintering and Selective Laser Melting were applied to carry on rapid prototyping experiments with Fe-base alloy powders.Their different formation mechanisms and corresponding technology parameters were investigated,and their effect on the formation process,microstructure and mechanical properties of metal parts was studied as well.Due to different formation mechanisms,the results show that metal parts with higher density,uniform structure and better mechanical performance can be manufactured by SLM in contrast with SLS,but there exist warpage,crack and balling phenomenon in the formation process easily,which can be avoided by choosing appropriate material and technology parameters.