Thermal Analysis of the Temperature Distribution of PA12 for the Local Adjustment of Material Properties in the Additive High-Speed Sintering Process

Abstract

This study investigated the inhomogeneous temperature distribution within the powder bed during the High-Speed Sintering (HSS) process. The focus was on analysing the thermal behaviour using infrared (IR) thermography in order to better understand and homogenise the temperature distribution within individual layers. To achieve targeted homogenisation of the temperature distribution, seven different greyscale levels (GS1-GS7) were used as a tool for local control of energy input. Thermal analyses revealed position- and layer-dependent gradients within the build chamber, with central areas exhibiting higher temperatures than the edges. Mechanical tests showed a correlation between the GS levels and material properties: GS3 specimens demonstrated higher tensile strength and lower variance. Although other GS levels partially reached similar temperatures, the same results were not achieved. Darker GS levels and higher temperatures led to an increase in part dimensions. By strategically applying GS levels based on the identified temperature gradients, the temperature distribution was successfully homogenised and the part properties optimised. These results serve as a foundation for developing a method to homogenise thermal inhomogeneities in the HSS process.