On 3D printing of PA6-10% almond skin powder reinforced composite

Abstract

In past one decade, polyamide (PA)6 feedstock filaments has proved its capabilities for fused deposition modeling (FDM) based functional prototypes requiring wear and impact resistance. The almond skin powder (ASP) is organic kitchen waste material, which has highest strength to weight ratio. Some researchers have developed PA6 based composite feedstock filament reinforced with ASP. But hitherto little has been reported on use of ASP reinforced PA6 based composite filament for 3D printing (using FDM) and its printing capabilities. In this research work an effort has been made to 3D print, 10% (by weight) ASP reinforced PA6 composite filament with open source FDM setup as a pilot study. The results are supported with mechanical testing, optical photo-micro graphical analysis. The functional prototype can be very useful in meta-material printing (requiring high modulus of toughness) and rapid tooling applications.