Replies to post #31107 on Sigma Labs Inc (SASI)

[chef911]

Thank you for this resource.

[Jackle]

Thanks, the below section makes the fact that Sigma is machine agnostic look very useful. The competition and complexity between machine makers hinders manufacturers who may prefer to use multiple machines (which will be a lot). At least on inspection Sigma can offer a cross-machine solution with its PrintRite3D™. Very useful.

Besides a thorough knowledge of each (supplier-specific) AM machine operation (machine preparation/maintenance and file preparation/repair/loading …), high manufacture yield relies on adequate processing parameters windows, judicious use of supports and/or sensible re-design of the components/assembly.

This depends on a combination of hands-on experience (and often machine-dependent) and hard R&D to fundamentally understand and control the complex intertwined processes (melting, re-solidification, grain growth, laser/powder interaction, melt pool lifespan, heat transfer …) on which depend the properties of the finished product (metallurgy, mechanical properties …).

In addition, the various AM machines suppliers have proprietary software controls and hardware systems. Although, the fundamentals and the key process variables remain similar across machines (Power, scanning speed, hatching distance and layer surface thickness) this makes it difficult to transfer parameters directly from one machine to another (for instance those published in scientific peer-reviewed journals) and to relate them to your own requirements. It then makes the user’s life easier to rely on the standard supplier’s parameters.

AM manufacturers also tend to guarantee their ‘standard’ parameters for their own proprietary powders only, ie powders of their own specific composition.

These standard parameters are usually conditioned for “speed” build or “performance” builds: ie fast build rates or higher density components. For a “perfect” build combining both of the above, you’ll usually need to fix this yourself. That requires access to (and understanding of) all the available commands, options in your machine. And some fundamental research or loads of time-consuming parameters investigations correlated to the mechanical properties of the finished SLM products.