Thermal Post-Processing of 3D Printed Polypropylene Parts for Vacuum Systems

Access to vacuum systems is limited because of economic costs. A rapidly growing approach reduce the costs scientific equipment combine open-source hardware methods with digital distributed manufacturing 3D printers. Although high-end printers can manufacture components, again, cost access tooling economically prohibitive. Low-cost material extrusion printing plastic overcomes issue, but two problems arise when attempting use in or as part systems: outgassing polymers and their sealing. To overcome these challenges, this study explores potential using post-processing heat treatments seal printed polypropylene for environments. The effect infill overlap treatment a readily available gun on PP parts was investigated detail ISO-standardized KF fitting computer vision-based monitoring pump down velocities. results showed that both had large impact pressures obtainable parts. Heat combined 98% reliably sealed systems, which makes low-cost desktop viable components open hardware.