Enhancing durability of 3D printed polymer structures by metallization

Abstract

Additive manufacturing or three dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technique for producing complex geometries and high precision structures from various types of materials. The technique was particularly developed for polymer materials such as acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and found its way to different industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, medicine and construction. However, during service in outdoor environments, 3D printed polymer structures are exposed to different environmental conditions such as UV radiation and moisture, causing a significant degradation in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the structures. This study offers a novel method to improve durability of 3D printed polymer structures against accelerated environmental conditions by deposition of a metallic thin film (i.e. copper) on the structural surface. ABS specimens are 3D printed using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique and metalized via DC magnetron sputtering. The characterization of durability of 3D printed ABS specimens in outdoor environments is carried out by monitoring flexural properties and microstructure of samples over the course of exposure in a controlled environmental chamber.