Challenges

Powder-binder mixtures (Feedstocks) with different solid loadings.

Selection of the most suitable metal or ceramic powder and binder system combination for the mixing process.

Design the process to achieve full dense final parts or with different porosity grade.

Viscosity  and rheological parameters measurements to determine which feedstock is the most appropriate to continue with the process.

Extrusion of the selected feedstock for high production volume at pilot plant scale.

Production of high-filled metallic and ceramic powder filaments to feed a conventional 3D printer which technology is based on Fused Filament Fabrication.

The feedstock is injected into a mould, getting high complex or standard green parts.   

3D printing based on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) allows to manufacture almost all types of geometries, even parts that can not be manufactured by other methods, for example, parts with holes inside.

Green parts have a high polymer content which has to be removed during the debinding step. After that, sintering stage allows to obtain a full density metallic or ceramic part or porous final parts, if required.

Carbon content analysis.

Static and dinamic mechanical characterization of sintered parts. 

Microestructural and thermal properties.

Tribological characterization and corrosion resistance studies.