Binding mechanisms in selective laser sintering and selective laser melting

Purpose This paper provides an overview of the different binding mechanisms in selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM), thus improving the understanding of these processes. Design/methodology/approach A classification of SLS/SLM processes was developed, based on the binding mechanism occurring in the process, in contrast with traditional classifications based on the processed material or the application. A broad range of commercial and experimental SLS/SLM processes – found from recent articles as well as from own experiments – was used to explain the different binding mechanism categories. Findings SLS/SLM processes can be classified into four main binding mechanism categories,…