Metal rapid prototyping via a laser generating/selective sintering process

During the last decade, developments in rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing techniques have undertaken a new dynamic turn in production technology. Besides the use of new and better performance materials, process development techniques are increasing further so as to reduce the iteration cycle of the product and production process. In this paper, based upon the selective laser sintering/generating process, certain new features of the fabrication of metal or metal matrix composite parts using CO2/Nd-YAG lasers are discussed. The basic process of beam interaction with the metallic powder is investigated, and results concerning the microstructure and shape factor are interpreted.