Development of a Novel Methodology to Overcome Support Issues in Selective Laser Melting
This project aims to develop a soft support system that can be removed by means of sandblasting, instead of using tools such as a chisel or a hammer in areas with little or no access. At locations where the part features large cross-sectional areas such as the one shown in the picture, the hard support system will be applied. In easy access areas, hard or soft supports may be applied, depending on the part feature. In essence, this hybrid system of hard and soft supports can be applied to manufacture a part successfully, without any design constraints. The development of this solution reflects the true advantage of the metal powder bed fusion technology, ie., design freedom.
