Laser forming and rapid prototyping of p/m parts and tooling

摘要

This paper is a review of the current state of laser sintering and free-form fabriction of metal powders. Laser sintering and laser free-form fabrication of tooling are being applied to metal and plastic injection molding as well as die casting. Laser free-form fabrication of P/M parts and P/M prototype parts is under development. Mechanical properties, tolerances, and production rates of laser formed parts and tools are presented. Detailed comparisons of the parts making capabilities among the leading practitioners are presented.