Authors:
Matteo Zanon (1); Armin Müller (1); Darek Kossakowski (1); Aljoscha Roch (2); Joseph R. Croteau (3); Tom Pelletiers (3)
1- Kymera International / Ecka Granules Germany, Germany
2- AM Extrusion GmbH, Germany
3- Kymera International / SCM Metal Products, USA
Abstract:
Among the sinter-based technologies, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is proving itself as a low capital investment, small series approach to 3D printing. Firmly established for plastics, it can be extended to metals by composite filaments with around 60% metal loading by volume. The large quantity of binder, necessary for the filament compounding and extrusion, poses special challenges to the debinding process. This becomes especially true with reactive materials such as aluminium, but also when targeting high electrical conductivity in copper, which is extremely sensitive to residual impurities. Metal powder and binder expertise must then be brought together to enable this technology to compete in the 3D printing market.
The current joint work presents results with both aforementioned classes of non-ferrous powders, highlighting the impact of debinding procedure and powder characteristics on the final sintered and microstructural properties. Effect of heat treatment is also investigated.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/EP235761372