Additive Manufacturing Special Report - November 2023 - 16

Additive Materials
experiences high rates of shrinkage,
which is why it is typically used to
produce relatively small parts. The
ability to modify the crystallization
kinetics, however, can extend the
use of this stable, proven material
to produce larger form factors.
Similarly, the ability to induce
crystallinity in polymers that are
typically amorphous, such as
polycarbonate, opens the door for
these materials to be produced using
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which
is a popular 3D-printing platform
within the powder-bed fusion category.
The result is the production of an
amorphous polycarbonate material that
exhibits the high toughness and clarity
of an injected-molded polycarbonate
part in a much lighter form factor.
Defining the Polymer
Value Chain
The polymer value chain extends
from chemical creation to formulation,
form-factor conversion, distribution
and manufacturing method, ranging
from 3D printing to traditional molding,
extruding, milling or powder coating.
Optimizing additive materials for all
types of manufacturing is no easy feat.
For that reason, polymer scientists
Direct control and continuous refinements to morphology and polymer architectures result in the
development of custom materials ideally suited to meet stringent application demands. (Image: Jabil)
are entering uncharted territories to
improve material strength, ductility,
durability, chemical and moisture
resistance, weight, and sustainability
while lowering costs. This requires
careful coordination and calibration
of chemistry, polymer engineering
and manufacturing processes to
modify the architecture and method
of material creation and formation.
Rapid material iteration and constant
fine-tuning is required to tweak
mechanical, physical, and thermal
properties. As with every manufacturing
process, the starting point is the
application, closely followed by the
business case. Together, these critical
parameters help dictate the design
methodology, along with material and
manufacturing process selection.
In the world of AM, breakthroughs
in polymer innovations are being
driven by the demand for more
affordable, lighter and highermodulus
composites as well as
the ability to print materials that
previously were too difficult to
integrate into additive processes
Additionally, the incorporation of
value-added attributes to existing
polymers is ushering in a new
class of engineered materials with
special functionality, such as flameretardant
or resistant attributes;
reinforced materials containing
glass fiber, as well as mineral fillers,
carbon fiber, or nanotubes.
The inclusion of conductive
The introduction of additives, reinforcement, and sustainable " ingredients " during formulation and
compounding processes lead to the creation of lighter, stronger, and more eco-friendly materials.
(Image: Jabil)
16 NOVEMBER 2023
attributes also is on the rise to address
Electrostatic Dissipative (ESD), EMIshielded
or electrically conductive
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING SPECIAL REPORT
Additive Manufacturing Special Report - November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Additive Manufacturing Special Report - November 2023
