Improving Surface Finish Characteristics of Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D Printed Polyamide Part Using Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) Process
摘要
Additive manufacturing has emerged as a very important production technique today with modern technology. Thanks to advances in this field, it has become possible to produce complex components with new functional properties. Additive manufacturing (AM) refers to the technique of combining materials to create parts based on three-dimensional (3D) model data. This is usually produced by adding layer upon layer, as opposed to traditional subtractive and formative manufacturing methods. Additionally, with different additive manufacturing methods and technologies, it has become possible to produce different materials that are not suitable for traditional production methods. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a type of additive manufacturing technology used for creating three-dimensional objects by selectively fusing powdered material layer by layer using a detailed array of inkjet printheads and an infrared heating element. Unlike some other 3D printing methods that use liquid resin or filament, MJF utilizes powdered materials such as nylon and other polymers. MJF offers several advantages over other 3D printing methods, including the ability to produce complex geometries with high precision, fast production speeds, and the capability to print functional parts with excellent mechanical properties. While additive manufacturing techniques enable the production of parts with diverse shapes using a variety of materials, the resulting parts typically exhibit surfaces characterized by a significant level of roughness. Due to the adverse impact on the fatigue life and stress concentration of the component, the rough surface restricts its utilization in industrial applications. Post-processing is necessary to improve the surface quality of these products. Nevertheless, in certain instances, both the complex shape of the components and particular characteristics of the production material pose challenges that prevent the application of traditional post-processing techniques for surface improvement. In this context, the need for a more effective and result-oriented surface improvement method emerges. Abrasive Flow Machining (AFM) is a non-traditional machining process where a semi-solid abrasive-laden media is forced through the workpiece's passages to remove material and improve surface finish. Therefore, AFM process, which is an option with better results in the surface finishing of internal geometries, is used to improve surfaces. The purpose of this study is to enhance the inner hole surface of MJF 3D printed polyamide (PA) based parts using AFM.