This research focuses on reducing the limitations imposed on the repeating topologies in lattice structures that restrict what can be created using the RealiZer Selective Laser Melting (SLM) machine. The creation of regular, randomly perturbed, polar mapped, and random metallic lattice structures using SLM apparatus is reported and discussed in this thesis. It was observed that a new technique was required to generate the slice data files used to control the SLM equipment in order to create structures that measured significantly more than 10 cells in each axis. The research details the motivations behind the development of the computational methods utilised to develop lattice parts and how the iterations of these methods enabled different areas of research to progress. The limits of the angles from the horizontal that elements could be built are reviewed and scanning techniques are developed that create elements below these values. In order to create horizontal links significant proportions of the machine control software were replaced with software developed during the course of the research. This is discussed at length along with how the limitations on the number of processing parameters available could be removed and how pauses which let sections of the melt on horizontal links freeze before processing the next section could be used. It is suggested that systems or experimental set ups are developed that allow greater control over the duration of these pauses. This would enable further research into the processing of horizontal links, developing them to the point where they are mechanically consistent and comparable to other links in the structures
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:569197 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Brooks, Wesley Keith |
| Publisher | University of Liverpool |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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