Selection of build orientation with minimum tensile strain

Abstract

Parts built from rapid prototyping processes have heterogeneous properties in both geometric form and mechanical strength. Build orientation is one of the key factors that determine how such properties are distributed in the parts. In previous studies, the selection of build orientations for the shortest build time, the best part accuracy has been reported. This study aims to investigate how to determine the build orientation so that a part built in the orientation can be subjected to the same load with the minimum deformation or strain. In the research, the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique has been used to make the test specimens. The relationships between stress/strain against build orientations are obtained through tensile test experiments. Such relationships are modeled as mathematic equations which are used for the selection of the best build orientation so that parts built in such orientation will have minimum tensile strain when subjected to the same load pattern. © 2010 CAD Solutions, LLC.