On the Impact of Process Parameters and Ambient Temperature on Tensile Strength and Fatigue Behaviour of SLS-Built Polyamide-12

We report on a comprehensive study of tensile strength and fatigue behaviour depending on process parameters and ambient temperature. For this, Polyamide-12 components are fabricated using Selective Laser Sintering. Firstly, different process parameters like, e.g, scan-speed, laser power, and applied energy density are varied. Secondly, the ambient temperature during testing is varied, evaluating the impact of decreased, respectively increased test temperatures on the characteristics of the Polyamide-12 components. For all components, the static and dynamic mechanical load behaviour is investigated, quantifying the changes in the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) and the endurance limit. As the applied energy density transpires as a decisive parameter, a variation leads to significant changes in UTS and endurance limit, whereas an adjustment of scan-speed and laser power at a constant energy density do not affect the mechanical properties. Finally, the ambient temperature during testing is evaluated, demonstrating different ambient application conditions. The impact of an active cooling of the component as well as increased temperatures on the mechanical behaviour is tested, providing fundamental findings on the operating life of Polyamide-12 components.