Nozzle flow characteristics of P.E.E.K (Poly-ether ether ketone) material used in 3D-printing

Abstract

Abstract Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the predominant processes in additive manufacturing technique in which polymer materials are printed. Polyether ether Ketone (PEEK) is one such polymer which in its pure form has elastic modulus of 4 GPa and its composites have still more higher elastic modulus values of up to 15 GPa. An increased tensile strength of the material and its composites results in increased mechanical strength. The material has higher thermal, chemical stability along with bio compatibility making it suitable for high temperature, corrosive environments and for biomedical applications. The cost of FDM printers using PEEK material is relatively high when compared with other 3D printers. Digital printing of the PEEK polymer material requires special design of the nozzle arrangements along with preheating mechanisms. This is because of the controlled thermal environments required during the printing process. The present work aims at understanding the thermal and fluid flow characteristics of the PEEK material when passing through a commercial nozzle. Experiments are done along with a validated numerical model using COMSOL Multiphysics to avoid thermal degradation of the P.E.E.K material during the melt extrusion process.