The study of the accuracy and stability of GTE nozzle guide vanes assembly units manufacturing by the method of selective laser melting using quality control charts

This paper presents the results of a study of the accuracy and stability of GTE nozzle guide vanes assembly units manufacturing by the method of selective laser melting using quality control charts. The GTE nozzle guide vanes assembly units were made from material Inconel 738 by selective laser melting on an SLM 280HL equipment. The control of the geometric characteristics of the nozzle guide vanes assembly units that manufactured using additive technology was carried out on a coordinate measuring machine. We statistical analyzed the technological process using control charts for quantitative data and an assessment of the SLM process capabilities to meet the specified requirements. The geometry accuracy of guide nozzle blades airfoil was selected as a part quality parameter, which significantly affects the operational part characteristics. As a result of the conducted statistical analysis, it was found that the SLM process is in a state of statistical controllability with respect to internal variability, is suitable for meeting the given requirements and has a sufficient margin of capabilities necessary for effective process control. Checking the quality assurance terms for compliance with the requirements indicates that there may be geometers parameters values that lie outside the tolerance limit and, as a result, the part may be defective.