Investigation and Modeling of the Residence Time Dependent Material Degradation in the Arburg Plastic Freeforming
Abstract
The Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) is an additive manufacturing process with which
three-dimensional, thermoplastic components can be produced layer by layer. One
disadvantage of the APF is the long residence time of the molten material in the plasticizing
unit compared to conventional injection moulding. The dosing volume is emptied very slowly
due to only discharging fine plastic droplets. As a result, long residence times can be expected,
which can lead to thermal degradation of the material.
The aim of this study was to develop a model for calculating the residence time of the
material in the APF. The residence time of the material in the thermally critical dosing volume
is predicted using software developed in-house. The accuracy of the model could be verified
by experimental investigations. Finally, the thermal degradation of the material was
investigated by analyzing the correlation to the mechanical properties of tensile strength
specimens.