Three-dimensional simulation of multiple line laser sintering of a two-component metal powder layer on top of sintered layers

Multiple line laser scan sintering of a two-component metal powder layer on top of the sintered layers with a moving circular Gaussian laser beam is modeled numerically. The overlap between the adjacent scan lines to achieve enhanced bonding is taken into account. The binding between the newly sintered layer and existing sintered layers underneath through melting is also considered. The governing equation is formulated by a temperature-transforming model with partial shrinkage induced by melting considered. The liquid flow of the molten low melting point metal powders, which is driven by capillary and gravity forces, is formulated by Darcy's law. The effects of the dominant processing parameters, including the moving laser beam intensity, scanning speed and number of the existing sintered layers underneath, on the shape of the heat affected zone (HAZ) are investigated. A parametric study is performed and the best combination of the processing parameters is recommended.