Optimal post-process of industrial solid freeform fabrication system

This paper presents an optimized post-process for a newly-developed industrial solid freeform fabrication system. It is generally recommended to apply a curing post-process to improve strength of the products fabricated by SFF system. This post-process under high temperature increases adhesion of the powder particles. A temperature-control model including the post-process is developed and tested using heating periods of 0, 10, 20, and 30 minutes at 178degC after the laser-sintering process is completed. The post-process includes passive cooling to 100degC for further curing after the heating. Experiments are conducted to compare and analyze performance indices such as size accuracy, tensile-strength, and coherence.