Determining the best exposure volumetric energy density for Diapow PP MF polypropylene from a study of its different dynamic mechanical properties

Abstract

The popularity of additively manufacturing polymers using the powder bed fusion technique, particularly polymer laser sintering has seen an unprecedented increase. As a result, numerous studies have been conducted to determine the impact of different process parameters on the physical and mechanical properties of printed parts. In addition, extensive work has also been done to optimise the process parameters to ensure that printed parts possess high qualities. However, most of these studies have only focused on the static mechanical and physical properties. In this regard, the current study aims to determine the best exposure parameters for Diapow PP MF polypropylene for different dynamic mechanical properties. It was established that the loss and storage moduli of the Diapow PP MF polypropylene material might both be subject to the volumetric laser energy density. The best process parameter set of laser power, scanning speed, layer thickness, and hatch distance for Diapow PP MF to produce printed parts with low damping and high static load carrying capacity, the respective best process parameter set is 32.9 W, 3000 mm/s, 0.15 mm, and 0.25 mm (laser energy density = 0.290 Jmm⁻³). Conversely, for high damping at room temperature, the respective best process parameter set is 32.9 W, 5000 mm/s, 0.15 mm, 0.25 mm (laser energy density = 0.146 Jmm⁻³) for laser power, scanning speed, layer thickness, and hatch distance, respectively.