3D FE simulation for temperature evolution in the selective laser sintering process

A thermal model of selective laser sintering (SLS) has been developed. The model allows for the non-linear behavior of thermal conductivity and of specific heat due to temperature changes and phase transformations. The temperature evolution and the formation of the sintered part are simulated by a 3D finite element analysis based on continuous media theory. It is shown that the effect of sintering has a strong influence on thermal evolution through changing the thermal properties of the material. The results of the model were experimentally tested and confirmed by temperature measurements.