Development of LS-LDS combined process and material enabling simultaneous activation during additive manufacturing process

Integration of laser sintering of plastic powder and laser direct structuring using CO
₂
laser for the both of laser sintering and laser activation is discussed. Feasibility of activation by CO
₂
laser is investigated, and chromium copper oxide can be used as an agent for the integrated system. Activation can be enhanced by adding active carbon. It is revealed that surface of a part is melted on activation, and flow of the melt affects the activation quality while high flowability of the melt preferable for improvement of relative density.