AFM Analysis of 3D Printing PEI for Automotive Applications

Sie sind hier: Homepage > Suche

AFM Analysis of 3D Printing PEI for Automotive Applications

Nguyen, Khanh Q. / Vuillaume, Pascal Y. / Robert, Mathieu / Elkoun, Saïd

In recent years, fused deposition modeling (FDM) (or 3D printing) technology is increasingly applied in the automotive industry due to its rapid operation and cheap costs. The use of high-performance polymers which can retain their good properties under high temperatures and harsh conditions, along with 3D printing techniques is, therefore, essential. Polyetherimide (PEI) is a high-performance thermoplastic that is attracting use in electrical and lighting systems for the automotive market. PEI is well-known as an amorphous thermoplastic with high heat resistance, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance. Therefore, PEI is used in transmission and ignition components, bezels, reflectors, and electromechanical systems as an alternative to metal, thermoset as well as bulk molding components. Despite many potential advantages, PEI produced from 3D printing technology has not been widely used in the automotive sector. The lack of understanding about the material degradation mechanism as well as 3D printed parts quality are challenges in the widespread application of PEI materials to automotive applications. In this study, two tensile specimens of 3D printing PEI from the FDM technique with different printing parameters were investigated. The present study aims to evaluate the interface quality and mechanical strength of 3D printed parts using atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. Moreover, the comparison focuses on the roughness and Young’s modulus between these 3D printing PEI is also highlighted.