An experimental study of surface quality and dimensional accuracy for selective inhibition of sintering

Selective inhibition of sintering (SIS) is a new rapid prototyping method that builds parts in a layer‐by‐layer fabrication basis. SIS works by joining powder particles through sintering in the part's body, and by sintering inhibition of some selected powder areas. In this research, statistical tools were applied to improve some important properties of the parts fabricated by the SIS process. An investigation of surface quality and dimensional accuracy was conducted using response surface methodology and through analysis of the experimental results, the impact of the factors on them was modeled. After developing a desirability function model, process operating conditions for maximum desirability are identified. Finally, the desirability model is validated.