FAQ
What guidelines need to be observed when designing 3D printed components?
The metal 3D printing process Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF or Selective Laser Melting, SLM®) enables a high degree of freedom in the design of components. Many of the restrictions of conventional manufacturing processes do not apply or only apply to a limited extent. Nevertheless, design guidelines must be adhered to in order to be able to produce high-quality, functional components economically, e.g. overhangs must be supported by support structures in relation to the build-up direction from a limit angle. Otherwise, overheating and thermally induced residual stresses can lead to process errors. This can result in poor dimensional accuracy, inferior surface quality or, in the worst case, process failure. The support structures are designed during job preparation and then removed later, for example using machining processes.
Some restrictions, such as the minimum possible wall thickness, also depend on the selected material and the process parameters. Furthermore, the maximum possible component size is limited by the installation space of the laser melting system used. For larger components with less complex areas, a combination with conventional manufacturing processes (hybrid manufacturing) can be considered, and experienced designers in particular are faced with the challenge of adapting their existing know-how to the new way of thinking of metal 3D printing. Rosswag Engineering has developed an adapted workshop program for this purpose.