Experimental metrics of the powder layer quality in the selective laser sintering process

According to the literature, microscopic quality of powder layer produced in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process is related onset macroscopic defects powder. This study proposes an experimental procedure able quantify obtained spreading step SLS process. A dedicated set-up was developed, mimic and allow photographic analysis its surface. Four commercial polymeric powders for applications were tested at two different speeds recoater. An image processing converting a series images surface grey level profiles along direction. The further analysed with wavelet tool, major features spectral density used calculate specific indicators quality. provide consistent results comparing testing conditions. ranking according spreadability indexes differs from one using flowability indexes. finding confirms that cannot be directly flowability.