3D finite element heat transfer modeling of powder binding via moving plasma arc in Selective Electrical Discharge Sintering (SEDS)

Transient heat transfer in the powder bed in selective electrical discharge sintering (SEDS) during the binding stage is investigated numerically through the finite-element method. In SEDS, the spread powder layer is subjected to the concentrated thermal radiational energy of the plasma arc that causes the powder particles to bind to the adjacent particles according to liquid phase (LPS) sintering mechanism. The results of the 3D FE model determine the maximum temperature at the top surface of the powder bed as well as sintering depth for different process parameters such as plasma scan speed.

Keywords:

transient heat transfer , finite element , plasma arc , heat affected zone , binding