Characterization of ProXPA, HST, and TPU for Use In 3D Printing with Selective Laser Sintering (SlS) Machines

School Name

Governor's School for Science & Mathematics

Grade Level

12th Grade

Presentation Topic

Engineering

Presentation Type

Mentored

Mentor

Mentor: Jenny Reilly, 3D Systems

Abstract

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a form of 3D printing that uses uses thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymers in powder form. There are a variety of different powder materials that can be utilized in the SLS process, and each has different properties that can impact the 3D printing process in its own way. The purpose of this research was to determine if three specific powder materials – ProXPA, HST, and TPU – were suitable for use in SLS 3D printing and characterizing each of the materials to suit the SLS machines. Two tests were performed to determine if the powder materials could print a durable part: a differential scanning calorimetry test and a moisture analysis test. After receiving the results from the incoming tests, two more tests were conducted to help set the laser power, scan spacing, and layer thickness on the SLS machines to characterize ProXPA, HST, and TPU. These two tests included tensile testing and melt flows. The results verified that ProXPA, HST, and TPU can all produce durable parts through the SLS process. The results also verified that laser power, scan spacing, and layer thickness can successfully be set for each powder material to either maximize a part's resistance and strength, or minimize the print time. Through conducting this research, 3D Systems Corporation and its customers are now able to use three new powder materials in their printing process and alter any parts printed to their likings.

Location

Wall 223

Start Date

3-25-2017 1:45 PM

Presentation Format

Oral and Written

Group Project

No

COinS
 
Mar 25th, 1:45 PM

Characterization of ProXPA, HST, and TPU for Use In 3D Printing with Selective Laser Sintering (SlS) Machines

Wall 223

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a form of 3D printing that uses uses thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymers in powder form. There are a variety of different powder materials that can be utilized in the SLS process, and each has different properties that can impact the 3D printing process in its own way. The purpose of this research was to determine if three specific powder materials – ProXPA, HST, and TPU – were suitable for use in SLS 3D printing and characterizing each of the materials to suit the SLS machines. Two tests were performed to determine if the powder materials could print a durable part: a differential scanning calorimetry test and a moisture analysis test. After receiving the results from the incoming tests, two more tests were conducted to help set the laser power, scan spacing, and layer thickness on the SLS machines to characterize ProXPA, HST, and TPU. These two tests included tensile testing and melt flows. The results verified that ProXPA, HST, and TPU can all produce durable parts through the SLS process. The results also verified that laser power, scan spacing, and layer thickness can successfully be set for each powder material to either maximize a part's resistance and strength, or minimize the print time. Through conducting this research, 3D Systems Corporation and its customers are now able to use three new powder materials in their printing process and alter any parts printed to their likings.