Selective laser sintering: qualifying analysis of metal based powder systems for automotive applications

Metal-based powder systems for selective laser sintering applications provide flexibility in the part geometry and promise a high quality profile regarding their material technologies characteristic. In this field of application, materials have to fulfil high demands on their properties already in the conceptual phase of development. For the integration of selective laser sintered parts into the development process, determining their properties using material engineering methods is absolutely essential. This paper concerns with the methods of material analysis, the particular material properties of sintered metals and finally with the description of the properties of the powder systems EOS DirectSteel 20 and 3D Laser Form ST100 in comparison to conventional materials used in automotive engines and power trains.