Using Raman spectroscopy to monitor surface finish and roughness of components manufactured by selective laser sintering

• Published in: Journal of Raman spectroscopy Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 744 - 748
• Main Authors: Beard, M. A., Ghita, O. R., Evans, K. E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.04.2011; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Lasers; Mathematical analysis; Monitors; polyamide; Raman spectroscopy; Selective laser sintering; Sintering; surface finish; Surface roughness; Vectors (mathematics)
• ISSN: 0377-0486; 1097-4555; 1097-4555
• DOI: 10.1002/jrs.2771

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process used to realise fully functional component manufacture. Numerous parameters are used in the process to control variables such as laser power, scan speed, laser spot size and overlap of scan vectors. All of these parameters can dramatically alter the sintering process and therefore final component properties. This paper presents how Raman spectroscopy intensity effects, caused by the surface roughness of the components produced, can be used to monitor the degree of sintering between particles in the SLS process. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Raman spectroscopy intensity effects, caused by the surface roughness of the components under investigation, have been used to monitor particle sintering of selective laser sintered components. It has been shown that Raman spectroscopy could be used as process monitoring tool for quality assurance checks for SLS parts.