Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a branch of powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM) technique in which laser is used as a power source to sinter polymer powder materials. The laser targets the points in space defined by a 3D computer model and binds the material together to create a solid structure. Although thermoplastic materials (PA12, PA6, et) have been successfully demonstrated in SLS, printed 3D objects from these materials exhibit a lack of polymer interchain connection in print direction, resulting in poor mechanical properties and poor fatigue behavior. This deficiency of thermoplastics has encouraged to print high-performance thermosets using SLS. In this research, bismaleimide (BMI) resin thermoset powder was successfully printed using SLS with a two-step melting and post curing process. Dimensional and thermal stability of printed thermosets after curing is proved in this research for the very first time. Almost zero-dimensional change (0.033% increment in length, 0.23% increment in width, and 0.317% decrement in thickness) after curing of SLS printed thermoset part was presented. The thermomechanical property of printed BMI was characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis. Polymer crosslinking mechanism during curing process through FTIR as well as the thermal and mechanical stability of printed thermoset through compression tests have been analyzed in this research. The feasibility study demonstrates the feasibility of using SLS for printing high temperature tehermoset for variety energy and defense related applications.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.