Wear characteristics of laser sintered molding tools

Some characteristics of the direct metal laser sintering process, a layered manufacturing technology, which is already successfully being used for rapid tolling applications, are presented. Particular micro-structural and mechanical characterization of the sintered parts is included with the aim to find the proper surface finishing and coatings to improve the wear characteristics of the laser sintered products. Consequently, wear resistance of the sintered tooling inserts has been investigated to establish a tool life in industrial environment and also to define testing procedures for the wearing characteristics of the tool during the molding process.