Laser sintering powder with improved recycling properties, process for its production, and use of the laser sintering powder

摘要

A laser sintering process produces a body in the shape of a block which contains the desired components and non-irradiated powder which remains with the components in the block until the molding is revealed, or its covering is removed. The non-irradiated powder can be used in a further forming process (recycling) after sieving and addition of virgin powder. The sintering powder includes a polyamide to which organic carboxylic acids have been added as regulators to permit preparation of a polyamide powder with almost constant solution viscosity, capable of repeated use in a laser sintering process without addition of virgin powder.