| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2023 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2023)
|
| Symposium
|
2023 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2023)
|
| Presentation Title |
Powder Bed Fusion of Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene via Novel Scan Strategy and Post-process |
| Author(s) |
Jackson S. Bryant, Michael Bortner, Christopher Williams |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jackson S. Bryant |
| Abstract Scope |
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a polymer known for its especially high wear properties. Currently, there is no successful method for printing UHMWPE components with mechanical properties sufficient for end-use applications. When irradiated by the laser during powder bed fusion (PBF), UHMWPE undergoes melt explosion, which makes the powder expand and causes recoating failure. Furthermore, the melt viscosity of UHMWPE prevents the powder particles from coalescing and densifying. In this work we employ a novel scan strategy with large hatch spacing to minimize layer growth in the z-direction and enables multilayer UHMWPE prints. Printed parts are then post-processed under pressure above melting temp to further coalesce the powder. Due to UHMWPE’s high melt viscosity, part shape is retained durig postprocessing without distortion. This approach is validated on a 3000 kDA UHWMPE powder, and resulted in complex printed parts with ultimate tensile strength 2 > MPa. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |