A study was carried out to find the reliability of components manufactured by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) for compressive strength. An orthogonal array of modified L8 experimental design using Taguchi's experimental design techniques was developed and used. Test results were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique to identify the main process parameter that influences the compressive strength. It has been found that infiltration had more influence on compressive strength as compared to other process parameters. Regression analysis shows that regression model for compressive strength is within the significance level and adequate within 90%. Detailed investigations on reliability using Weibull analysis shows that the distribution plot and were considered as a good design for Weibull analysis. The Weibull distribution method can be used for describing the distribution of times to compressive strength of rapid prototyped components using DMLS for functional applications. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.