Patent attributes
A method for determining a bed temperature setpoint for use with a powder in a selective laser sintering machine is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a powder comprising a polymer for use in a selective laser sintering machine. The method further includes the step of determining a ratio of a liquid portion of the powder to a solid portion of the powder as a function of temperature within a temperature range. A bed temperature setpoint is selected in the temperature range corresponding to a desired ratio of the liquid portion of the powder to the solid portion of the powder. A temperature of a bed of a selective laser sintering machine is set to the selected bed temperature setpoint, and a part is built from the powder using the selective laser sintering machine.
