Intelligent optimization of process parameters in selective laser sintering

In order to optimize process parameters in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), the Back Propagation (BP) neural network combined with expert system is constructed. According to the features of SLS process, the BP neural network model is suitable for the optimization of SLS process parameters. Its structure and related parameters are detailedly designed and discussed. The expert system, which is based on BP, has been successfully developed in Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0, and has been used in the automatic optimization of the SLS process parameters in our developed SLS machines. Compared with the traditional methods depending on experiences, the parameters optimized by the system are more precise and more satisfying, and the dimensional precisions of SLS parts, which are manufactured with the optimized process parameters, meet the challenge.