Polybutylene Terephthalate for Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Polymers
The study investigates PBT as a new material for laser-based powder bed fusion of polymers. PBT enables stiff, functional components, but exhibits brittle fracture behavior and narrow process limitations.
Powder bed fusion of polymers with a laser beam (PBF-LB/P) is a layer-based additive manufacturing (AM) method that produces functional components with superior mechanical properties. However, the limitation of commercially available materials, primarily polyamides, reduces the range of applications for PBF-LB/P processed parts. The use of novel polymer feedstocks, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) in PBF-LB/P is of great interest, as the properties of PBT allow for an extension of the application of AM-built parts in the automotive and electronics sectors. Studies on the flowability of the powder under process conditions at evaluated temperatures showed a homogeneous surface of the powder bed. In addition, the processability of PBT powders in the PBF-LB/P process was investigated with a thermal camera, showing process limits for low-viscosity materials. Component properties showed a higher Young’s modulus than injection molding, while fracture behavior showed brittle behavior for the homo-PBT tested.
Presentation language: EN
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