Selective Laser Sintering of PEEK

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a good choice especially for manufacturing medical instruments or implants. These parts are typically produced by conventional manufacturing methods, like injection moulding. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) could offer more flexibility. It enables the direct manufacturing of products with complex geometries. Although SLS of polymers like polyamide or polystyrene is a standard industrial process already, laser sintering of PEEK remains a challenge. This article will show for SLS of PEEK the necessary adaptations in systems technology and material modifications and discuss a step-by-step process implementation. Process boundaries are shown concerning temperature and energy input. The high influence of porosity, which could be varied from zero to 15%, on mechanical properties is shown.