Thermal analysis of the debinding process of filaments with H13 steel powder

The FDM method, which employs a metal powder filament with a polymer binder, results in the production of sintered H13 steel. The technique is characterised by a multi-step process, low cost, and no waste, rendering it suitable for both small and medium-scale production. Nevertheless, the successful production of H13 steel parts using this method hinges on the meticulous design of the process to eliminate the polymeric binder that serves as an elastic matrix for the metal powder in the filaments. A study was conducted to identify the optimal conditions for binder debinding and powder sintering, and to evaluate their efficacy in relation to the type of filaments comprising a significant proportion of H13 steel powder. Furthermore, the chemical structure of the polymers was analysed by FTIR spectroscopy, with consideration given to the impact of varying debinding parameters. Furthermore, the morphology and structure of the material following the printing and sintering processes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Thermal analysis plays a pivotal role in the design of novel material fabrication techniques utilising Metal FDM technology. It allows for the comprehension of the thermal properties of materials, thereby facilitating the optimisation of process conditions. The findings of the study present an alternative approach to the manufacturing of metal components through sintering, and emphasise the significance of optimisation processes.