Correlating polyamide powder flowability to mechanical properties of parts fabricated by additive manufacturing

Date

2022-01-22

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

0032-5910

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between the flow properties of five blends of polyamide 12, with the mechanical and physical characteristics of the fabricated components. The bulk properties and flowability of the powder blends were characterised using powder rheology. Absolute, or skeletal volume of 3D printed cubes were measured using helium pycnometry. The tensile behaviour and surface hardness of specimens fabricated from the five blends were determined. The mechanical properties of the samples were correlated with the flow behaviour of the powder used. Comparison of the powder flow measures with the mechanical properties of the fabricated parts allows for prediction of final product quality prior to printing. Understanding the relationships between these parameters helps to identify and develop powders that enhance both process efficiency and the mechanical properties of the final product.

Description

The research was carried out in collaboration with Freeman Technology Ltd. and Micromeritics UK. open access article

Keywords

Additive manufacturing, Powder bed fusion, Selective laser sintering, Powder flow properties, Mechanical properties

Citation

Baserinia, R., Brockbank, K. and Dattani, R. (2022) Correlating polyamide powder flowability to mechanical properties of parts fabricated by additive manufacturing. Powder Technology, 398, 117147

Rights

Research Institute