Rapid prototyping by laser sintering and 3D-Printing

Currently, several techniques are being used for rapid prototyping of metal parts for various fields of applications. Laser sintering of powder materials and 3D-Printing are one of the most promising subjects for research and development in this field. The ability of manufacturing complex shaped parts using CAD data in a very short time is the main advantage of these methods. Powder producers are closely looking at this technology since it would be expected to open a big market for sales. This article presents the state of the art of the laser sintering and 3D-Printing technologies in the world. Examples of applications of the methods for rapid prototyping & tooling are demonstrated through manufacturing industrial parts.