International Journal of Advancements in Technology
Open Access

Freeform-FDM process development using natural fibre reinforced biopolymers

2^nd International Conference on 3D Printing Technology and Innovations

March 19-20, 2018 | London, UK

M Aburaia, M Lackner, H Grunbichler, C Engelhardt Nowitzki, E Markl, H Lammer, H Zhang, J Wang, J Sapotka, T Janics and M Haiberger

University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Austria
Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH, Austria
Shanghai University, P R China
Montanuniversit���¤t Leoben, Austria
HageSondermaschinenbau GmbH & Co KG, Austria
HARATECH GmbH, Austria

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Adv Technol

Abstract :

The authors demonstrate a freeform printing process using a robot and fibre reinforced biopolymers (PLA, PHB) because the regular FDM (fused deposition modelling, FFF = fused filament fabrication) relies on layer-by-layer additive manufacturing. As fibres, both conventional (glass fibre, aramid fiber, carbon fibre) and natural fibres (flax, hemp) are used. Also, nano-scaled cellulosic nano crystals (CNC) and/or carbonized biobased nanofillers are used as reinforcement. A new 5 axis/6 axis 3D printing method for load path oriented fibre placement on freeform surfaces (FFF- based and robot arm-based) was developed. A four-fold increase in tensile strength, compared to the non-reinforced polymer, was found for aramid in PLA. Current challenges are melt strand cooling and melt strand chopping. Further increase in mechanical strengthening is expected from optimization of the sizing agent. Freeform printing was demonstrated for up to 45���°C of extruded strand angle, without the need for a support structure, using air cooling and regular extrusion speed. Tensile testing according to ISO 527 reveals that the print direction has a market influence of mechanical properties in tensile testing.

Biography :

Mohamed Aburaia is a PhD student at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. His PhD topic deals with the usage of industrial robot manipulators for freeform printing. He is the Deputy Program Director of the Master program Mechatronics/Robotics at the University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Austria. He is also the Project Manager of a research facility that uses industrial robots to simulate processes and value chains that are analyzed and optimized concerning Industry 4.0 and related challenges. His research interest includes: Freeform Printing and Biopolymers.
Email:aburaia@technikum-wien.at