Low-cost machine vision monitoring of the SLS process

During the building of a part using SLS, it is common practice to adjust the temperature parameters. It is important to control these parameters because ifthey are too high then part breakout is difficult. Ifthey are too low then parts have poor material properties. One method of controlling these parameters is by observation through the process chamber window. Any adjustment can be determined by examining the colour ofthe cross-section in process. By using a machine vision system to determine colour variation, it is possible to calculate temperature or laser power adjustments necessary to maintain consistent part quality.