Selective laser melting (SLM) technique is one of the most representative advanced manufacturing techniques.
Since SLM process parameters affect the multiple quality attributes of SLM parts, it is very important to perform optimization and effect evaluation of SLM process parameters. The SLM process optimization problem is ascribable to a multiobjective optimization one for optimizing multiple quality attributes.
Yang Won Chol, a researcher at the Faculty of Material Science and Technology, proposed a reasonable methodology for optimization of multiple quality attributes and effect evaluation of SLM process parameters using a TOPSIS-based comprehensive quality index and Taguchi method, and applied it to determine the optimal values and effects of process parameters such as laser power, scan speed and overlap rate for separately and simultaneously improving the multiple quality attributes such as tensile strength, hardness and relative density of AlSi10Mg alloy fabricated by the SLM.
He found that the optimal values of process parameters are laser power of 320 or 360 W, scan speed of 600 mm/s and overlap rate of 0.35, and the ES ranking of process parameters is scan speed, overlap rate and laser power.
For more information, please refer to his paper “Taguchi optimization and effect evaluation of process parameters using TOPSIS based comprehensive quality index of selective laser melted AlSi10Mg alloy” in “The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology” (SCI).