Plastic forming simulations of cold isostatic pressing of selective laser sintered components

A combined method of selective laser sintering (SLS) and cold isostatic pressing (CIP) was applied to manufacturing metal parts rapidly. Finite element method was used to predict final dimensions and decrease cost. The simulations of CIP of selective laser sintered parts were carried out by Drucker-Prager-Cap constitutive model with ABAQUS computer program. The property of metal powder was measured by CIP experiments. The results show the rubber bag and the friction coefficient have little influence on results of simulations. The parts only have uniform shrinkage and have no obvious distortion in shape. The results of simulations show a good agreement with the experimental results and the calculated results, indicating that the Drucker-Prager-Cap model is an effective model to simulate CIP process. The simulations could give a useful direction to forming process of the CIP of selective laser sintered components.