About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Symposium
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2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Presentation Title |
FDM-based Copper/Polymer Composites for Custom Thermal Components
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Author(s) |
Carmen R. Rocha, Ana Verdugo, Eric MacDonald, Pedro Cortes, Ana Martinez, Alexis Maurel |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Carmen R. Rocha |
Abstract Scope |
This study presents a cost-effective method for producing copper components through fused deposition modelling (FDM), using a commercial high-metal-content filament (~87–90.7 wt%) to investigate process optimization. Samples were printed to evaluate the thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of the composite. For comparison, some were left in a green state, while others underwent a thermal post-processing process. Green and sintered samples were characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS, mechanical testing, and four-point probe analysis. SEM of green samples showed irregular particle distribution and voids, while sintered samples exhibited necking and particle agglomeration. Mechanical testing showed a 49% increase in UTS and a 102% increase in stiffness. Electrical conductivity was measured at 3.31×10⁷ S/m, about 56% of pure copper. Despite porosity and processing constraints, sintered samples retained good electrical performance. Results showed FDM, combined with thermal post-processing, can produce copper components for low-power resistivity heaters and customized thermal management applications |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Post-meeting proceedings |