Abstract
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the promising processes for rapid production of complex shaped parts. The relative density of sintered parts obtained by the ordinary SLS process, however, is about 60% and the infiltration process is normally needed after sintering. This study has been performed to improve the relative density and tensile strength of SLSed 316 stainless steel powder (Rapid Steel 2.0) compacts by changing the sintering conditions and adding fine carbonyl Fe powder. By changing the sintering temperature from 1070°C to 1300°C and the sintering time from 4 hours to 8 hours, the relative density was increased from 62% to 80% and the tensile strength was improved from 64 MPa to 262 MPa. As the carbonyl Fe powder was added, the relative density and tensile strength were increased. In the case of 40 wt% carbonyl Fe powder added, the tensile strength became 463 MPa since the shape of pore became spherical and the pore size was fine.
