About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Symposium
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2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Presentation Title |
Numerical Modelling of the Interaction of a Laser Beam and Polymeric Powders During Polymer Laser Sintering |
Author(s) |
Fredrick Mulinge Mwania, Maina Maringa , Jacobus van der Walt |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Fredrick Mulinge Mwania |
Abstract Scope |
This study sheds light on the complex interaction between a laser beam and polymeric powder particles during sintering. In this work, analytical models linking the degree of fusion of particles of powder with their material properties and process parameters were developed using dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Π theorem. These analytical models were used to optimise different process parameters by establishing a set of parameters providing the highest value of a proposed parameter to represent the degree of fusion of particles (Ω). This value for polypropylene powder (Ultrasint PP 1400 from BASF) was approximated as 0.25, based on suitable process parameters. Numerical modelling was also conducted using Flow 3D software to investigate the characteristics of depth and width of a melt pool because these aspects are essential indicators of the stability of PLS and the quality of the final parts printed using polymer laser sintering. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Post-meeting proceedings |