Process optimization for improving topography quality and manufacturing accuracy of thin-walled cylinder direct laser fabrication

Direct laser fabrication (DLF) known as the additive manufacturing technology was employed in this paper; the optimal methods of generating thin-walled cylinders were researched. The building accuracy was analyzed via employing three main optimal strategies, scanning strategy (S), laser power adjustment (L) and Helical scanning optimization (H), and their interaction effects (SL, LH, HS, SHL). In addition, synclastic scanning strategy (method 1), reversed scanning strategy (method 2), and new collative variable of Z-axis increment (method 3) combining with those optimal tactics were verified by fewer defections and greater performance. As a result, method 1SHL and method 2SL are proven to be the best method to optimize the process to fabricate thin-walled cylinders.