| Abstract Scope |
Fused filament fabrication (FFF), as an appealing alternative to conventional manufacturing techniques, provides several competitive advantages, including reduced production costs, design freedom for complicated geometries, and ease of use. However for metal FFF using metal-filled filaments, there are gaps in our understanding of the printing and post-processing parameters, which limit the ability to control the material properties. Using a low-cost FFF printer and BASF 17-4 PH stainless steel filament as a foundation, this study explores the debinding and sintering conditions, and examines the impact of FFF processing parameters on the structural and mechanical integrity of the printed parts. The effects of printing orientation, extrusion temperature, print speed, infill patterns, and post-processing conditions on density, microstructure and mechanical properties were explored. An in-house debinding and sintering method was developed and investigated. Initial findings indicate promise for FFF in producing metal components, but the results are highly dependent on processing parameters. |