Coalescence in fused filament fabrication process: Thermo-dependent characterization of high-performance polymer properties

One of the major drawbacks thermoplastic Fused Filament Fabrication process (FFF) is poor mechanical properties parts produced. This mostly related to macroporosities resulting from a limited coalescence between filaments. Coalescence ruled by viscosity and surface tension polymer. Thus, an accurate characterization these two required model optimize during filament deposition cooling. In this work, procedure over large temperature range (25–380 °C) presented applied PolyEtherKetoneKetone (PEKK) material. Additionally, Newtonian characterized with rheometry. The then simulated coupling existing semi-analytical previously 2D heat transfer finite element simulation model. results show importance dependent implementation tension. parametric study provides industrial understanding FFF process.