Optimization of the main selective laser melting technology parameters in the production of gold jewelry

The effect of the most representative variables of selective laser melting (SLM) technology was evaluated by means of a design of experiment (DOE) approach, with respect to the quality of final specimens. The variables taken into account were laser power, scanning speed, and thickness of the powder layer. The aim of this paper is to determine powder chemical–physical characteristics that ensure the best results with the SLM technique. Analysis of the influence of chemical composition and powder particle-size distribution on porosity and roughness of the final items was studied. This work describes the progress obtained with SLM technology in recent years, demonstrating the importance of optimizing process parameters. All of the results presented were obtained using precious metal alloys.