PNNL

Abstract

The heating and densification processes of semi-crystalline polymer powders, during the selective laser sintering process, are simulated using the finite element method. Based on previously developed three-dimensional approach for the sintering of amorphous polymer powders, the modeling methodology is extended to semi-crystalline polymers by taking into account the effects of latent heat during melting. In these simulations, the temperature dependent thermal conductivity, specific heat, density and the effect of latent heat are computed then used as material constants for the integration of the heat equation. Results for temperature and density distribution using Nylon-12 powder are presented and discussed. The effects of processing parameters on the density distribution are also presented.