Six Sigma approach for build-time estimation of Selective Laser Sintering

Build-time estimation function of Rapid Prototyping (RP) plays an important role in optimisation of process parameters, job scheduling, job pricing and quoting. The common estimation function in most RP systems is not sufficient to give the accuracy of build time required for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process. Finding an appropriate method to estimate the build time for the SLS is very important. Six Sigma methodology has been applied in many different engineering domains and it is now being used in the process of Rapid Prototyping Manufacturing. This paper reviews the Six Sigma methodology and its Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC) model, and finds the main factors in build-time estimation of the SLS process. From the results of experiments a new estimation model which reduces the estimation errors was developed.