Effect of Support Structures on the Deformation of AlSi10Mg Aircraft Parts Made Using DMLS

Additive manufacturing (AM or 3D printing) technology creates the same shape to 3D CAD data through an additive process rather than using a conventional manufacturing method. This has made it possible to surpass the limitations of existing processing methods. Because of the many advantages of AM technology, many studies have been conducted to apply AM technology for the manufacture of aircraft structures. In this work, in particular, the influence of build parameters, mechanical properties, and post-processing were reviewed with the aim of determining the effect of support among the build parameters. The tip-cap of an aircraft wing was fabricated using AlSi10Mg powder, and the deformation during post-processing was reviewed according to three types of support. Mechanical properties were verified through specimen testing, and parts were fabricated and post-processing applied, under the same conditions as for the specimens. Based on the existing CAD model, it was discovered that deformation occurred during each type of post-processing and the influence of support on the deformation was reviewed.