Material properties identification of polyamide (PA12) processed via selective laser sintering

The employment of polymers in the transport industry represents a great opportunity to meet the growing request to introduce lightweight components and reduce polluting emissions. In this regard, the use of thermoplastic polymers for the fabrication of composite materials makes it possible to respond to the need for eco-sustainability which still today represents an open issue of considerable interest in the scientific community. In this scenario, additive manufacturing represents a very effective tool for the realization of components with complex geometry that cannot be obtained through conventional subtractive techniques. However, the study of the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers for additive manufacturing plays a crucial role in promoting their use on an industrial scale. The work describes the results of an experimental campaign, of mechanical thermal and morphological characterization, performed on samples made of nylon (PA12) produced by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The thermal characteristics of the powders and sintered material were evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), while the mechanical properties were determined by uniaxial tensile tests. After verifying the reliability of the production process by analyzing the results obtained on specimens from different production batches, the effect of strain rates and heat treatments on the properties of the printed parts was studied. Finally, morphological characteristics of 3D printed samples have been evaluated through micro-CT analysis.