Metals fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing has been posed as a viable solution for forwardly deployed printing to allow for part production and replacement at the point of need. Multiple systems exist for the production of metal FDM parts, however, their integrity and interoperability must be studied to allow for the inclusion of these machines in relevant environments. In this work, systems such as the Markforged Metal X, Rapidia Conflux 1, and several other printers were tested for their ability to produce 316 L and 17-4 PH stainless steel specimens. Samples were tested in various capacities including printing feasibility, dimensional accuracy, repeatability, porosity, and mechanical properties. Testing was repeated in multiple build directions as well. Ongoing and future work includes testing on more experimental sintering systems for multiple build platforms, and extending the analysis to complex internal geomtries only achievable through additive manufacturing (AM).
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, attendees will have knowlege of multiple fused depositiion modeling (FDM) systems and their overall ability to print 316 L and 17-4 PH stainless steel parts.
Attendees will have quantitative knowlege of system abilities for multiple printer systems from extensilve tensile testing and porosity analysis.
