Abstract:Process parameters and scanning path of selective laser sintering (SLS) have a large impact on the quality of sintered parts. The influence of laser sintering process parameters and scanning path on peak temperature was studied. The temperature model for SLS was established and a corresponding C++ finite element simulation software was developed. The effects of laser power, laser scanning rate and preheating temperature on the SLS peak temperature were investigated during the numerical examples. The difference of SLS peak temperature between polymer powder and metal powder was compared by taking different scanning paths. Numerical examples show that the peak temperature increases with the increase of laser power and preheating temperature, and decreases with the increase of laser scanning rate. The scanning path has small effect on the peak temperature of polymer SLS while it has large effect on that of metal SLS. The presented temperature field model is verified and reasonable, and can provide theoretical guidance for actual production.