Finite element analysis of additive manufacturing of polymers using selective laser sintering, challenges and potentials
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Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) is experiencing widespread adoption in many sectors including aerospace and biomedical. Multiple Finite Analysis (FA) software packages have proved effective in predicting and minimizing distortion and warping, but their capability in predicting the resultant mechanical characteristics of the part is unproven. This work focuses on developing a process in which ANSYS Additive Suite (AAS) is used to predict the mechanical performance of polymers produced by a selective laser sintering (SLS) process and potential applications utilizing simulation to enable faster and less costly iterative design. Utilizing AAS, the print process to create tensile test specimens was simulated and the resultant virtual parts were subjected to tensile loading in ANSYS Mechanical. The output of this simulation was then experimentally verified with physical tensile test specimens manufactured using SLS. The result showed that AAS can be used to increase prediction accuracy of deformation under load.