Investigating mechanical anisotropy and end-of-vector effect in laser-sintered nylon parts

A study investigating the effects of part-build orientation in the laser sintering process is presented. The investigation uses tensile, flexural, and compression testing methods to assess the changes in the mechanical properties of laser-sintered nylon-12 parts. The test parts were built in the x, y, and z orientations with the x axis parallel to the direction of the laser scanning, the y axis perpendicular to the direction laser of scanning, and the z axis in the direction of powder layers. The results from the tests show that the build orientation of the parts has an effect on the mechanical properties produced. The tensile tests show a maximum difference of 16 per cent and 11.2 per cent in strength and modulus respectively for parts built in the x, y, and z axes. The flexural tests show a 9.4 per cent and 7 per cent maximum difference in strength and modulus respectively for the parts produced in the x, y, and z axes. For the compressive tests, there is a 3.4 per cent and 13.4 per cent maximum difference in strength and modulus respectively for the parts produced in the x, y, and z axes. A statistical analysis of the results obtained highlights the presence of anisotropy in tensile and compression parts owing to their build orientation in the laser sintering machine. The test parts built in the x axis orientation showed the highest strength and modulus values while the parts built in the z axis orientation showed poor strength and modulus values. However, this is not the case for the flexural test parts, which show the highest strength and modulus values are from those built in the y axis orientation. Analysis has shown that this is due to the end-of-vector effect, which is most prominent in the y axis orientation. This effect should always be considered during laser sintering, when mechanical integrity is vital.