3D Printing Of Metal Parts By Means Of Fused Filament Fabrication - A Non Beam-based Approach

Fused Filament Fabrication is a widely known tool-free 3D printing technology that can be used for the production of complex synthetic components with free form surfaces. Based on the extrusion of a thermoplastic filament through a small nozzle the printing machines are characterized by a relatively small complexity and thus a low price compared to other 3D printing technologies. Using a filament with a high metal powder loading, it is possible to print green parts that can be debinded and sintered after the printing process. These feedstock materials are investigated for printing and sintering at the Fraunhofer Institute IFAM in Dresden. Based on different thermoplastic materials, the filaments were tested regarding their extrusion behavior through a small nozzle and their mechanical performance.