Authors:
Margherita Beretta (KU Leuven, Belgium),
Samanwitha Kolli (KU Leuven, Belgium),
Marleen Rombouts (Flemish Institute for Technological Research – VITO, Belgium),
Peter Sergeant (Ghent University, Belgium),
Leo Kestens (Ghent University, Belgium),
Jozef Vleugels (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Abstract:
Copper is largely used for heat transfer devices and electrical machines where high thermal and electrical conductivities are required. Since the performance can be further enhanced through design optimization, Additive Manufacturing (AM) represents a promising solution for the fabrication of complex Cu components for these application fields. 3D micro-extrusion, in particular, is an indirect AM technology that allows the fabrication of dense copper parts using a multiple-steps approach. The shaping of a green body upon extrusion of a highly powder-loaded paste is followed by a consolidation or post-processing treatment step. This includes the removal of the binder and densification through conventional sintering. The present study investigated the impact of the post-processing conditions on pure copper components fabricated by 3D micro-extrusion of different feedstock paste formulations. Multiple sintering atmospheres and thermal cycles were tested to assess their influence on the physical and functional properties of pure Cu material.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59499/WP225370838