The additive manufacturing by material extrusion (MEX) using polymers highly loaded with metallic powders is a process that allows the production of metal parts in four stages. The formulation of the mixture, 3D printing by extrusion, debinding, and sintering lead to the fabrication of a densely metallic part with mechanical properties close to those of the same alloyed metal. The present project aims to better define the achievable dimensional and geometric properties using the MEX process with low-viscosity blends of stainless steel 17-4 PH. The performance of two printers has been investigated, one being a piston-based printer in development by students at ÉTS and the other a commercial printer manufactured by Desktop Metal, which uses a rod system fed by cartridges into the extruders. The commercial printer uses a confidential polymer blend and 17-4 PH manufactured by the company, while the developmental printer uses a wax-based blend with a viscosity range of 50 to 120 Pa*s. CMM characterization of dimensional properties on green parts (rectangular prisms) allowed quantifying maximum dimensional deviations of 4.1 ± 0.1% compared to nominal dimensions. Characterization of geometric features on prismatic and axisymmetric parts also concluded that it was possible to print overhang angles greater than 70 degrees without the use of support with both printer principles.
| Date | 2 May 2024 |
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| Original language | French |
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| Awarding Institution | - École de technologie supérieure
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| Supervisor | Vincent Demers (Supervisor) |
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Pelletier, E. (Author),
Demers (Supervisor),
2 May 2024Student thesis: Master's thesis › Master in Engineering: Mechanical Engineering