Integrated laser-based powder bed fusion and fused filament fabrication for three-dimensional printing of hybrid metal/polymer objects
Journal
Additive Manufacturing
Journal Volume
31
Start Page
100928
ISSN
22148604
Date Issued
2020-01
Author(s)
Abstract
To produce complex functional devices while eliminating the need for assembly calls for a multi-material additive manufacturing technology. This paper presented a 3D-printing system that integrated fused filament fabrication (FFF) and laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF) to produce hybrid metal and polymer components. The design and operation procedure of the system were introduced. PBF-printed metal and FFF-printed polymer, both of which differ in material properties, were joined through PBF-printed interlocking structures, with their joining strength enhanced by laser heating. The mechanisms and scientific rationale that governed metal/polymer joining were discussed. Tensile and shear tests confirmed good joint strength of the printed metal/polymer components, which were created without adhesives. In addition, metal powder deposition onto the top of polymer substrates through laser melting was demonstrated. Layers of copper (Cu10Sn) were successfully deposited onto the top of a PLA/SS 316L composite substrate; however, their joint strength remained a problem to resolve. Finally, several 3D components consisting of hybrid stainless steel (SS 316L), copper (Cu10Sn) and polymer (PLA, PET) were successfully printed and their potential applications were discussed.
Subjects
Additive manufacturing
Drug release implants
Fused filament fabrication
Laser
Laser-based powder bed fusion
Metal
Mobile phone
Multiple material
Polymer
Powder
Selective laser melting
Publisher
Elsevier B.V.
Type
journal article