Characterization and usability of powders from renewable raw materials for 3D printing

Innovative materials and new manufacturing technologies can make a substantial contribution to conserving resources. Such a path can be taken by adapting additive manufacturing processes for the use of renewable raw materials. It is particularly important to consider residual materials, for which both cost of procurement are low and interest in using them as raw materials is substantial. Such powders have to be characterized in the first step. In the following steps, a printable mixture must be produced, suitable binders chosen and the powder must be 3D-printed by means of binder jetting. Subsequently, an assessment can be made based on component strength as well as surfaceand geometric properties. In the study, the first step in the described process chain powder characterization will be examined in more detail. Typical synthetic powders have a particle size of 40 to 100 μm and a close to spherical shape. Their properties allow for good thin powder layer creation using a rake system. The renewable substances considered here are mostly fibrous, have high length-to-width ratios and low flowabilities. The particle size and particle shape distributions, the moisture and the density have to be determined for characterization. Statements about special distribution functions, flowability or squeegee suitability, solid volume fraction or porosity and producible layer thickness are expected. The aim is to be able to assess usability for binder jetting for newly available raw materials. With the help of the findings on powders made from renewable raw materials, it should be possible to make a statement about printability already from particle analysis or to verify a powder made from renewable raw materials specifically for 3D printing. In further investigations, specific properties of the 3D components will be analysed. Additive Manufacturing, 3D printing, Parameter, Powder Characterisation