Abstract Scope |
Traditional binder jetting processes use organic binders in forming green parts, which can lead to residual ash and structural defects in final parts. Our recently developed hydrothermal-assisted transient jet fusion process eliminates the need for organic binders through substitution of the organic binder with a volatile dissolving ink. To enable the selective fusion of particles, a uniaxial pressure and a mild temperature were simultaneously applied to a selectively ink-jetted powder bed which induced a stress shielding effect, i.e., unbalanced stresses between the printed region and the surrounding loose powder. This work is intended to better understand the stress shielding effect during the compaction of the powder bed as functions of printing parameters, e.g., applied pressure, printing pattern, etc. Results showed the stress in the ink-saturated region was significantly reduced compared to the surrounding loose powder, due to a difference between compaction properties (e.g., elasticity, cap) of the two regions. |