In-situ laser control method for polymer selective laser sintering (SLS)

This thesis investigates thermal issues of the Selective Laser Sintering process. A method for controlling laser energy deposition in order to normalize post-sintering temperatures is presented. Infrared sensors are used to provide feedback for in-situ control of laser power with the goal of reducing the influence the pre-sintering thermal profile has on the post-sintering temperatures. By actively controlling the laser during its scanning, the post-sintering temperatures can be more accurately controlled, resulting in mechanical and geometric improvements in part quality.Mechanical Engineerin