Laser polishing of thermoplastics fabricated using fused deposition modelling
Date
2018-03-23
Authors
Chai, Yuan
Li, Rachel
Perriman, Diana
Chen, Song
Qin, Qing Hua
Smith, Paul
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a technique of additive manufacturing (AM) which is capable of fast construction of plastic prototypes. AM technology has been utilised in orthopaedics and traumatology to fabricate patient-specific models, surgical guides, and implants. However, the layering build-up by FDM usually generates a deleterious rough surface that limits its application to items such as surgical guide and surgical operating guide, because these items require a highly resolved surface quality. The advancement of laser polishing has been offering a cost-effective and fast manufacturing solution for FDM-constructed patient-specific guides and implants. This investigation explores application potential using a contactless laser scanning to improve the surface quality of FDM-fabricated thermoplastics. The results show that a maximum [68%] reduction in surface roughness was achieved at 3 W CO2 laser power, 150 mm/s scan speed, 30 ms scan delay and 0.025 mm line gap. Laser polishing is suitable to treat the surface of polylactic acid (PLA). This study provides data which supports a new approach to the manufacture of AM-fabricated thermoplastics utilising a laser scanning technique to improve the surface quality.
Description
Keywords
Laser polishing, Fused deposition modelling, Additive manufacturing, Thermoplastics
Citation
Chai, Y., Li, R.W., Perriman, D.M. et al. Laser polishing of thermoplastics fabricated using fused deposition modelling. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 96, 4295–4302 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-1901-5
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Source
International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Type
Journal article
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Open Access
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