Authors:
Shuigen Huang (KU Leuven, Belgium),
Eric Wong (KU Leuven, Belgium),
Jun Qian (KU Leuven, Belgium),
Jozef Vleugels (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Abstract:
Direct Ink Writing (DIW), also known as robocasting, is a paste extrusion-based layer-by-layer additive manufacturing technique suitable for manufacturing complex geometry green compacts. In this study, NbC-Ni matrix cermets with either a porous scaffold structure or a pore-free rectangular bar geometry were prepared using a combination of DIW and sintering. The water based feedstock ink contained 40 vol% cermet powder mixture and 25 wt% pluronic F-127 hydrogel. The ink was rheologically characterized and printed using a DIW device. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the paste was performed to define the thermal debinding cycle. After debinding, the printed parts were sintered for 90 min at 1420 °C in vacuum. The microstructure and room temperature hardness of the printed parts were investigated and compared with cermets obtained by conventional press and sinter powder metallurgy.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/WP225368559