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Experimental Analysis and Optimisation of a Novel Laser-Sintering Process for Additive Manufacturing of Continuous Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Parts

Authors :
Michael Baranowski
Lukas Völger
Marco Friedmann
Jürgen Fleischer
Source :
Applied Sciences, Vol 13, Iss 9, p 5351 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CCFRP) parts enables the production of high-strength parts for aerospace, engineering and other industries. Continuous fibres allow for parts to be reinforced along the load path, multiplying their mechanical properties. However, current additive manufacturing processes for producing CCFRP parts do not optimally meet the requirements of the matrix. With resin- and extrusion-based processes, the time-consuming and costly post-processing required to remove support structures severely limits design freedom, and producing small batches requires increased effort. In contrast, laser sintering has proven to be a promising alternative in an industrial environment, allowing the production of robust parts without support structures in a time-efficient and economical manner for single and small-batch production. Based on a novel laser-sintering machine with the automated integration of continuous fibres, a combination of the advantages of the laser-sintering process and the advantages of continuous fibres is to be achieved. This paper describes an experimental analysis and optimisation of this laser-sintering machine using design of experiments. The processing time for fibre integration could be reduced by a factor of three compared to the initial state.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20763417
Volume :
13
Issue :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Applied Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.27fb8c930949ffb2dc7c31f05e93d3
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095351