A sinterização a laser (SL), uma das tecnologias de manufatura aditiva (MA), se mostra de grande interesse devido a uma série de características, mas, principalmente, devido a sua capacidade de processar uma ampla gama de materiais em pó, a qual amplia possibilidades de pesquisa e desenvolvimento no campo do Design. Neste trabalho, sob o prisma da MA, tem-se por objetivo realizar a sinterização a laser em um equipamento de gravação e corte a laser convencional, sem pré-aquecimento do material. No desenvolvimento do estudo, foi utilizado um equipamento galvanométrico a laser para a realização de experimentos de sinterização de poliestireno em pó (PS 200). Os ensaios de caracterização desse material polimérico amorfo, constataram o diâmetro médio dos grãos de 54,3 μm em formato irregular. Para viabilizar o processo proposto, investigaram-se os parâmetros de processo para a SL, valendo-se de um dispositivo de controle da altura da mesa de trabalho. A melhor amostra (geometria circular) foi construída com potência 20 W, velocidade de varredura de 200 m/min e distância entre linhas de varredura do feixe laser de 0,1 mm. Esse último parâmetro, é relacionado ao diâmetro do foco do feixe laser, o qual foi estimado pelos ensaios em 0,3 mm. Com isso, foi calculada a densidade de energia transferida para o material, conhecida como Número de Andrew (An), em 0,06 J/mm² Análises visuais, macroscópicas e microscópicas, antes e depois da sinterização de uma camada (2D) e de camadas empilhadas (3D), além de sua digitalização tridimensional, foram realizadas. As amostras apresentaram deformação no plano x-y (elipticidade), no eixo z (empenamento) e grande porosidade. Nos ensaios de empilhamento de camadas foi determinada, para os parâmetros utilizados, a espessura de camada de 0,15 mm. Posteriormente, foi construído um modelo 3D com 100 camadas, o qual apresentou um acabamento liso na maior parte de sua lateral, porém, foram observadas estrias verticais ao longo da sua altura, as quais foram consideradas como característica do processo (devido à inércia dos espelhos galvanométricos). Por fim, esses parâmetros foram validados em um ensaio valendo-se de uma forma orgânica (face humana) em escala 1:4. O fator crítico foi o empenamento, o qual prejudica a distribuição de novas camadas de pó, mas pôde ser contornado com espessuras de camada de alturas superiores a esse empenamento. Assim, considera-se que para a viabilização prática do processo de sinterização proposto, em equipamentos de corte e gravação a laser convencionais, torna-se importante o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo de distribuição de pó automatizado, o qual permitiria a construção de modelos 3D de maior tamanho e complexidade. / Laser sintering (SL), one of the additive manufacturing (MA) technologies, is of great interest due to a number of characteristics, but mainly due to its ability to process a wide range of powder materials, which offers possibilities for research and development in the Design’s field. In this work, under the prism of the MA, the goal is to perform laser sintering in a conventional laser engraving and cutting equipment, without preheating the material. In the development of the study, a galvanometric laser equipment was used to perform powder polystyrene (PS 200) sintering experiments. The characterization tests of this amorphous polymer material showed the average grain diameter of 54.3 μm in irregular shape. In order to make the proposed process feasible, the process parameters for the SL were investigated, using a device to control the height of the workbench. The best sample (circular geometry) was built with 20 W power, laser scan speed of 200 m/min and distance between scanned lines of 0.1 mm. This last parameter is related to the diameter of the laser beam waist, which was estimated by the tests in 0.3 mm Thus, the energy density transferred to the material, known as Andrew's Number (An), was calculated at 0.06 J/mm². Macroscopic and microscopic visual analysis, before and after the sintering of a two-dimensional layer (2D) and of stacked layers (3D), in addition to its 3D scanning, were performed. The samples displayed deformation in the x-y plane (ellipticity), at the z-axis (warpage) and high porosity. In the layer stacking tests, the layer thickness of 0.15 mm was determined for the parameters used. Next, a 3D model with 100 layers was sintered, which presented a smooth finish in most of its lateral, however, vertical streaks were observed along its height, which were considered as characteristic of the process (due to the inertia of the galvanometric mirrors). Finally, these parameters were validated in an assay using an organic form (human face) in a 1: 4 scale. The critical factor was the warpage, which impairs the distribution of new layers of powder, but could be worked around with layer thicknesses of heights higher than this warpage. Thus, it is considered that for the practical feasibility of the proposed sintering process in conventional laser cutting and engraving machine, it is important to develop an automated powder distribution device, which would allow the construction of greater size and complexity 3D models.

A sinterização a laser (SL), uma das tecnologias de manufatura aditiva (MA), se mostra de grande interesse devido a uma série de características, mas, principalmente, devido a sua capacidade de processar uma ampla gama de materiais em pó, a qual amplia possibilidades de pesquisa e desenvolvimento no campo do Design. Neste trabalho, sob o prisma da MA, tem-se por objetivo realizar a sinterização a laser em um equipamento de gravação e corte a laser convencional, sem pré-aquecimento do material. No desenvolvimento do estudo, foi utilizado um equipamento galvanométrico a laser para a realização de experimentos de sinterização de poliestireno em pó (PS 200). Os ensaios de caracterização desse material polimérico amorfo, constataram o diâmetro médio dos grãos de 54,3 μm em formato irregular. Para viabilizar o processo proposto, investigaram-se os parâmetros de processo para a SL, valendo-se de um dispositivo de controle da altura da mesa de trabalho. A melhor amostra (geometria circular) foi construída com potência 20 W, velocidade de varredura de 200 m/min e distância entre linhas de varredura do feixe laser de 0,1 mm. Esse último parâmetro, é relacionado ao diâmetro do foco do feixe laser, o qual foi estimado pelos ensaios em 0,3 mm. Com isso, foi calculada a densidade de energia transferida para o material, conhecida como Número de Andrew (An), em 0,06 J/mm² Análises visuais, macroscópicas e microscópicas, antes e depois da sinterização de uma camada (2D) e de camadas empilhadas (3D), além de sua digitalização tridimensional, foram realizadas. As amostras apresentaram deformação no plano x-y (elipticidade), no eixo z (empenamento) e grande porosidade. Nos ensaios de empilhamento de camadas foi determinada, para os parâmetros utilizados, a espessura de camada de 0,15 mm. Posteriormente, foi construído um modelo 3D com 100 camadas, o qual apresentou um acabamento liso na maior parte de sua lateral, porém, foram observadas estrias verticais ao longo da sua altura, as quais foram consideradas como característica do processo (devido à inércia dos espelhos galvanométricos). Por fim, esses parâmetros foram validados em um ensaio valendo-se de uma forma orgânica (face humana) em escala 1:4. O fator crítico foi o empenamento, o qual prejudica a distribuição de novas camadas de pó, mas pôde ser contornado com espessuras de camada de alturas superiores a esse empenamento. Assim, considera-se que para a viabilização prática do processo de sinterização proposto, em equipamentos de corte e gravação a laser convencionais, torna-se importante o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo de distribuição de pó automatizado, o qual permitiria a construção de modelos 3D de maior tamanho e complexidade. / Laser sintering (SL), one of the additive manufacturing (MA) technologies, is of great interest due to a number of characteristics, but mainly due to its ability to process a wide range of powder materials, which offers possibilities for research and development in the Design’s field. In this work, under the prism of the MA, the goal is to perform laser sintering in a conventional laser engraving and cutting equipment, without preheating the material. In the development of the study, a galvanometric laser equipment was used to perform powder polystyrene (PS 200) sintering experiments. The characterization tests of this amorphous polymer material showed the average grain diameter of 54.3 μm in irregular shape. In order to make the proposed process feasible, the process parameters for the SL were investigated, using a device to control the height of the workbench. The best sample (circular geometry) was built with 20 W power, laser scan speed of 200 m/min and distance between scanned lines of 0.1 mm. This last parameter is related to the diameter of the laser beam waist, which was estimated by the tests in 0.3 mm Thus, the energy density transferred to the material, known as Andrew's Number (An), was calculated at 0.06 J/mm². Macroscopic and microscopic visual analysis, before and after the sintering of a two-dimensional layer (2D) and of stacked layers (3D), in addition to its 3D scanning, were performed. The samples displayed deformation in the x-y plane (ellipticity), at the z-axis (warpage) and high porosity. In the layer stacking tests, the layer thickness of 0.15 mm was determined for the parameters used. Next, a 3D model with 100 layers was sintered, which presented a smooth finish in most of its lateral, however, vertical streaks were observed along its height, which were considered as characteristic of the process (due to the inertia of the galvanometric mirrors). Finally, these parameters were validated in an assay using an organic form (human face) in a 1: 4 scale. The critical factor was the warpage, which impairs the distribution of new layers of powder, but could be worked around with layer thicknesses of heights higher than this warpage. Thus, it is considered that for the practical feasibility of the proposed sintering process in conventional laser cutting and engraving machine, it is important to develop an automated powder distribution device, which would allow the construction of greater size and complexity 3D models.

Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / In this work, YAG ceramics were produced by the laser sintering technique with different dopant concentrations of Ce, Tb and Eu aiming the study of their structural and optical properties. The precursor powders were synthesized by the polymeric precursor method and the sintering of YAG was performed using a CO2 laser as a heat source. In order to characterize the samples, differential thermal analysis measurements, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray absorption were made. The optical measurements were performed by transmittance, photoluminescence, radioluminescence and thermoluminescence techniques. Initially, Ce-doped YAG samples presented a spurious phase. From these samples, a study of laser sintering was made, which allowed to establish a sintering route to the sequence of the work. Then, samples were obtained with different concentrations of Ce, Tb, and Eu presenting single phase. In laser sintering process a sample holder (base) was developed and allowed obtaining ceramics with good uniformity between center and edge of the ceramics and high relative density. The photoluminescence measurements exhibit the characteristic emission of the dopants. However, the europium doped samples showed the presence of Eu2+, as confirmed by XANES measurements. This fact was attributed to the sintering process that allowed the reduction of Eu3+ to Eu2+. The radioluminescent spectra also showed the characteristic emission of the activators ions. The TL curves of the samples showed that increasing dopant concentration there was a decrease in the number of defects responsible for the TL emission, and as consequence, a higher radioluminescent emission was observed with the increasing of the concentration of Tb and Eu. Additionally, the quenching phenomenon, increasing concentration in the samples doped with cerium, showed no direct relation with the capture of charges that contributed to the thermoluminescent phenomenon. Analysis of the EXAFS spectra showed that there was a decrease in the distance between the Eu and their nearest neighbors as concentration of Eu increase. This fact was attributed to the rapid cooling rate during sintering. / Neste trabalho foram produzidas cerâmicas de YAG através da técnica de sinterização a laser com diferentes concentrações de íons de Ce, Tb e Eu, visando o estudo de suas propriedades estruturais e ópticas. Os pós de YAG foram produzidos pelo método dos precursores poliméricos e a sinterização do YAG foi realizada usando um laser de CO2 como fonte de calor. Para caracterização das amostras foram feitas medidas de análise térmica diferencial, termogravimetria, difratometria de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva e absorção de raios X. As medidas ópticas foram realizadas através das técnicas de transmitância, fotoluminescência, radioluminescência e termoluminescência. Inicialmente foram obtidas amostras de YAG dopadas como cério, porém estas apresentaram fase espúria. A partir dessas amostras foi feito um estudo da sinterização a laser o que possibilitou estabelecer uma rota de sinterização para a sequência do trabalho. Em seguida foram obtidas amostras com fase única usando diferentes concentrações de Ce, Tb e Eu. No processo de sinterização a laser foi devolvido um porta-amostra (base) que permitiu a obtenção de cerâmicas com boa homogeneidade entre o centro e a borda e consequentemente alta densidade relativa. Através das medidas de fotoluminescência vimos que houve a emissão característica dos íons dopantes. Entretanto, as amostras dopadas com európio apresentaram a presença de Eu2+ como confirmado por medidas de XANES. Este fato foi atribuído ao processo de sinterização utilizado que possibilitou a redução do Eu3+ para o Eu2+. Os espectros radioluminescentes mostraram também a emissão característica dos íons ativadores. As curvas de emissão TL das amostras mostraram que com o aumento da concentração de dopante houve uma diminuição na quantidade de defeitos responsáveis pela emissão TL e, consequentemente, foi observado uma maior emissão radioluminescente com a concentração de Tb e Eu. Além disso, o fenômeno de quenching com o aumento da concentração nas amostras dopadas com cério mostrou que não houve relação direta com a captura de cargas que contribuíram para o fenômeno termoluminescente. A análise do espectro de EXAFS mostrou que houve uma diminuição na distância entre o Eu e seus primeiros vizinhos com o aumento da concentração de Eu possivelmente relacionado com o rápido resfriamento durante a sinterização.

Le frittage sélectif par laser (ou Selective Laser Sintering, SLS) des poudres polymères thermoplastiques est maintenant une technique répandue de fabrication additive. Néanmoins, ce procédé n'est industriellement mature que pour une seule famille de polymères, les polyamides. Pour que ce procédé soit employé dans la fabrication de pièces subissant des contraintes thermiques au-delà de 50 °C, il est ainsi nécessaire d'étendre la gamme des matériaux utilisables à des polymères hautes performances tels que les poly(aryl-éther-cétone) ou les poly(aryl-imide). Cette étude décrit la fabrication additive, couche par couche, de pièces aérospatiales complexes en polymères hautes performances. Pour cela, sept poudres en polymère ont été sélectionnées afin d'étudier l'influence de celles-ci sur les différentes phases du procédé et sur la qualité de la matière frittée/fondue. Ainsi, la morphologie de leurs particules, leurs microstructures ou encore leurs densités versées et tapées sont analysées, de même que leurs stabilités thermiques, leurs capacités à absorber l'eau ou à s'écouler. Dans un second temps, une étude paramétrique du procédé a été réalisée dans le but d'aboutir à la fabrication de pièces de bonne qualité matière, tout en portant un intérêt vis-à-vis des évolutions de la poudre cycle après cycle de fabrication. De plus, il est important, dans un souci d'optimisation, d'utiliser toutes les possibilités de forme qu'offre cette fabrication additive et d'en évaluer la résistance mécanique. C'est pourquoi une loi de comportement mécanique d'un polyamide 12 consolidé sélectivement par laser a été déterminée et implémentée dans un code de calcul par éléments finis (ZéBuLoN®). Cette loi de comportement, dans le domaine linéaire et non linéaire, représentative de l'anisotropie du matériau, a ensuite été validée expérimentalement sur des éprouvettes d'essais mécaniques et sur un démonstrateur aérospatial. / Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) of thermoplastic polymer powders is now widely used as a additive manufacturing technique. Nevertheless, this process is industrially mature for only one family of polymers : the polyamides. To use this process in manufacturing applications that are used above 50 °C, it is necessary to increase the range of useable powders to high temperature resistant families of thermoplastic such as poly(aryl-ether-ketone) or poly(aryl-imide). This study investigates the layer-by-layer additive manufacturing of complex parts by SLS from high temperature resistant thermoplastic powders. Seven polymers powders were selected to study their influences on the process steps and the quality of sintered/melted materials. To do so, morphology of theirs particles, microstructures or tapped and poured density are analysed, and also theirs thermal stabilities, capacities to absorb water or theirs flow abilities. In a second step, a study of the influence of process parameters has been carried out to obtain parts with good material quality, taking into account the evolution of the powder after each cycle of fabrication. Moreover, it is important to use all the possibilities of this process in terms of geometry. That is why a law for the mechanical behaviour of laser sintered polyamide 12 has been determined and implemented in a finite element code (ZeBuLoN®). This law, in its linear and non-linear domain, is representative of the material anisotropy and has been experimentally validated on tensile samples and one aerospace part.

A sinterização a laser (SL), uma das tecnologias de manufatura aditiva (MA), se mostra de grande interesse devido a uma série de características, mas, principalmente, devido a sua capacidade de processar uma ampla gama de materiais em pó, a qual amplia possibilidades de pesquisa e desenvolvimento no campo do Design. Neste trabalho, sob o prisma da MA, tem-se por objetivo realizar a sinterização a laser em um equipamento de gravação e corte a laser convencional, sem pré-aquecimento do material. No desenvolvimento do estudo, foi utilizado um equipamento galvanométrico a laser para a realização de experimentos de sinterização de poliestireno em pó (PS 200). Os ensaios de caracterização desse material polimérico amorfo, constataram o diâmetro médio dos grãos de 54,3 μm em formato irregular. Para viabilizar o processo proposto, investigaram-se os parâmetros de processo para a SL, valendo-se de um dispositivo de controle da altura da mesa de trabalho. A melhor amostra (geometria circular) foi construída com potência 20 W, velocidade de varredura de 200 m/min e distância entre linhas de varredura do feixe laser de 0,1 mm. Esse último parâmetro, é relacionado ao diâmetro do foco do feixe laser, o qual foi estimado pelos ensaios em 0,3 mm. Com isso, foi calculada a densidade de energia transferida para o material, conhecida como Número de Andrew (An), em 0,06 J/mm² Análises visuais, macroscópicas e microscópicas, antes e depois da sinterização de uma camada (2D) e de camadas empilhadas (3D), além de sua digitalização tridimensional, foram realizadas. As amostras apresentaram deformação no plano x-y (elipticidade), no eixo z (empenamento) e grande porosidade. Nos ensaios de empilhamento de camadas foi determinada, para os parâmetros utilizados, a espessura de camada de 0,15 mm. Posteriormente, foi construído um modelo 3D com 100 camadas, o qual apresentou um acabamento liso na maior parte de sua lateral, porém, foram observadas estrias verticais ao longo da sua altura, as quais foram consideradas como característica do processo (devido à inércia dos espelhos galvanométricos). Por fim, esses parâmetros foram validados em um ensaio valendo-se de uma forma orgânica (face humana) em escala 1:4. O fator crítico foi o empenamento, o qual prejudica a distribuição de novas camadas de pó, mas pôde ser contornado com espessuras de camada de alturas superiores a esse empenamento. Assim, considera-se que para a viabilização prática do processo de sinterização proposto, em equipamentos de corte e gravação a laser convencionais, torna-se importante o desenvolvimento de um dispositivo de distribuição de pó automatizado, o qual permitiria a construção de modelos 3D de maior tamanho e complexidade. / Laser sintering (SL), one of the additive manufacturing (MA) technologies, is of great interest due to a number of characteristics, but mainly due to its ability to process a wide range of powder materials, which offers possibilities for research and development in the Design’s field. In this work, under the prism of the MA, the goal is to perform laser sintering in a conventional laser engraving and cutting equipment, without preheating the material. In the development of the study, a galvanometric laser equipment was used to perform powder polystyrene (PS 200) sintering experiments. The characterization tests of this amorphous polymer material showed the average grain diameter of 54.3 μm in irregular shape. In order to make the proposed process feasible, the process parameters for the SL were investigated, using a device to control the height of the workbench. The best sample (circular geometry) was built with 20 W power, laser scan speed of 200 m/min and distance between scanned lines of 0.1 mm. This last parameter is related to the diameter of the laser beam waist, which was estimated by the tests in 0.3 mm Thus, the energy density transferred to the material, known as Andrew's Number (An), was calculated at 0.06 J/mm². Macroscopic and microscopic visual analysis, before and after the sintering of a two-dimensional layer (2D) and of stacked layers (3D), in addition to its 3D scanning, were performed. The samples displayed deformation in the x-y plane (ellipticity), at the z-axis (warpage) and high porosity. In the layer stacking tests, the layer thickness of 0.15 mm was determined for the parameters used. Next, a 3D model with 100 layers was sintered, which presented a smooth finish in most of its lateral, however, vertical streaks were observed along its height, which were considered as characteristic of the process (due to the inertia of the galvanometric mirrors). Finally, these parameters were validated in an assay using an organic form (human face) in a 1: 4 scale. The critical factor was the warpage, which impairs the distribution of new layers of powder, but could be worked around with layer thicknesses of heights higher than this warpage. Thus, it is considered that for the practical feasibility of the proposed sintering process in conventional laser cutting and engraving machine, it is important to develop an automated powder distribution device, which would allow the construction of greater size and complexity 3D models.

This diploma thesis is focused on additive manufacturing, especially on technology Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and the implementation of additive manufacturing into existing departments of industry, where current elements of systems are supplemented or directly replaced by new parts produced by these technologies. This thesis solves specific project of manipulation unit for manufacturing line. The main goals of the issue are analysis of current construction design and its deficiency, designing and optimalization of this unit in relation to SLS manufacturing technology, product realization and final evaluating of reached results. Part of the thesis is also design documentation.

Polyamides are commonly used in additive manufacturing for final part production, but the material performance can be affected by environmental conditions. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of moisture and temperature on 3D printed polyamides and how structural optimization can benefit from condition-specific data. Conditioned and unconditioned specimens were tensile tested in regions of -20 °C, 23 °C and 60 °C. Two techniques were evaluated; multi jet fusion and selective laser sintering, and mainly two polyamides; polyamide 11 and polyamide 12. Simulations with the obtained data were performed as well as conceptual structural optimization with the intent of optimizing for the intended end-use environment. Infrared thermography provided specimen temperatures as well as temperature and strain relations present during testing. The stress-strain curves obtained showed generally decreasing stiffness and strength with increasing moisture and temperature, albeit moisture in certain cases increased the tensile modulus at freezing temperatures. Temperature affected stiffness and strength more so than moisture. Polyamide 11 absorbed moisture at a higher rate than polyamide 12. The mechanical performance of laser-sintered polyamide 12 was superior, while laser-sintered polyamide 11 showed great elongation before breakage. Further investigation of polymer crystallinity could explain the behaviour of the 3D printed polyamides.

No description available.

Syftet: Utvärdera produktionstolerans av objekt som producerats genom additiv framställningsteknik (AF) för användning inom tandvård, samt att jämföra denna teknik med subtraktiv framställningsteknik (SF) genom reverse engineering.Material och metod: Tio exemplar av två olika geometriska objekt framställdes från fem olika AF maskiner och en SF maskin. Objekt A efterliknar ett inlay, medan objekt B återspeglar en modell av en fyrledsbro. Alla objekt delades in i olika mätled; X, Y och Z. Mätningarna utfördes med validerade och kalibrerade instrument. Linjära avstånd mättes med ett digitalt skjutmått och hörnradie samt vinklar mättes med ett digitalt mikroskop.Resultat: Vare sig additiv eller subtraktiv framställning uppvisade en perfekt matchning till CAD-filen med hänsyn till de parametrar som utvärderades i denna studie. Standardavvikelsen gällande linjära mätningar för subtraktiv framställning uppvisade konsekventa resultat i alla led, med undantag för X- och Y-led för objektet A och i Y-led för objekt B. Samtliga additiva tillverkningsgrupper hade en konsekvent standardavvikelse i X- och Y-led, men inte i Z-led. Med avseende på hörnradiemätningar, hade SF gruppen i överlag bättre produktionsnoggrannhet för både objekt A och B medan AM grupperna var mindre noggranna.Konklusion: Med hänsyn till begränsningarna med denna in vitro studie, stödjer resultat hypotesen, med hänsyn till att AF hade en bättre förmåga att återskapa komplexa och små geometrier jämfört med SF. Samtidigt identifierades en bättre reproducerbarhet hos SF gällande enkla geometrier och linjära avstånd. Vidare studier krävs för att bekräfta dessa resultat. / Purpose: To evaluate the production tolerance of objects produced by additive manufacturing systems (AM) for usage in dentistry and to compare with subtractive manufacturing system (SM) through reverse engineering. Materials and methods: Ten specimens of two geometrical objects were produced by five different AM machines and one SM machine. Object A mimics an inlay-shaped object, meanwhile object B reflects a four-unit bridge model. All the objects were divided into different measuring-axis; X, Y and Z. Measurements were performed with validated and calibrated equipment. Linear distances were measured with a digital calliper while corner radius and angle were measured with a digital microscope. Results: None of the additive manufacturing or subtractive manufacturing groups presented a perfect match to the CAD-file regarding all parameters included in present study. Considering linear measurements, the standard deviation for subtractive manufacturing group were consistent in all axis, except for X- and Y-axis in object A and Y-axis for object B. Meanwhile additive manufacturing groups had a consistent standard deviation in X- and Y- axis but not in Z-axis. Regarding corner radius measurements, SM group overall had the best accuracy for both object A and B comparing to AM groups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, results support the hypothesis, considering AM had preferable capability to re-create complex and small geometry compare to SM. Meanwhile, SM were superior producing simple geometry and linear distances. Further studies are required to confirm these results.

Stab resistant body armour had been used throughout history, with examples ranging from animal hide construction to the moulded Polycarbonate units typically used by United Kingdom (UK) Police Officers. Such protective articles have historically, and continue to present a number of issues which have shown to impair the operational performance of its wearer including but not exclusive to poor thermal regulation, large masses, and reduced manoeuvrability. A number of developments have been made in an attempt to minimise the effects of such issues. One potential solution yet to be fully explored is the utilisation of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies. In recent years the use of such manufacturing technologies, particularly Laser Sintering, has successfully demonstrated their suitability for a range of high performance applications ranging from Formula 1® to aerospace. Due to the fundamental additive nature of AM build processes, the utilisation of such technologies have facilitated the realisation of design concepts that are typically too expensive, difficult or impossible to create using traditional manufacturing processes. In order for AM technologies to be used for the generation of stab resistant body armour a number of historical issues and performance characteristics fundamental to ensure stab resistance is achieved must be satisfied. This body of research firstly evaluated the stab resistive performance of two of the most common materials suitable for Laser Sintering as highlighted by an initial review of AM technologies. Once an appropriate material had been highlighted it was used as the basis for further experimental testing. Such tests focussed on minimising the material thickness required to maintain an appropriate level of stab resistance within United Kingdom Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) KR1-E1 requirement of 24 Joules of stab impact energy. Test results demonstrated that specimens manufactured from Duraform EX® required a minimum single layer thickness of 11.00 mm, and a dual layer total thickness of 9.00 mm to provide an appropriate level of stab protection within the HOSDB KR1-E1 standard. Coupled with the results generated from an investigation identifying the overlapping/imbricated assembly angle required to maintain an appropriate level of coverage across a scale structure, the stab resistant characteristics initially identified were used for the development of an imbricated scale-like assembly. Additional design features were also investigated to further minimise the total thickness of the final element design and corresponding assembled imbricated structure such features included angling strike surfaces and integrating a dual layered structure within individual elements. When the finalised imbricated assemblies were stab tested, they successfully demonstrated levels of stab resistance to the UK HOSDB KR1-E1 impact energy of 24 Joules.