Description
Abstract: The extrusion-based 3D printing process extrudes metal-based binder system, forming the desired component layer by layer. For this project, we will be designing a warm metal extruder to heat and extrude a water atomized stainless steel powder (17-4 PH) slurry. The feedstock for extrusion will contain 55-60 % by volume water atomized 17-4 PH powder of 45 μm particle size and binders. An existing extruder for injection 3D printing is taken as a reference and with dimensions matching the OD (Outer Diameter) of a plunger, the warm metal extruder is modified. The machining is done on Lathe using an Aluminum block. For heating the slurry, a flat heating cable will be attached on the outer shell of the extruder body. Further steps involve, making of a binder system consisting of paraffin wax, polyethylene, and stearic acid. Extruded samples will be sintered later and examined to check any changes in mechanical properties and molecular structure.
Authors: Harshal G. Dhamade and Jing Zhang
Keywords: Warm Metal Extruder Design, Extrusion-based 3D printing, 17-4PH