Investigation of the Processability of Different PEEK Materials in the FDM Process with Regard to the Weld Seam Strength

Due to the great popularity of the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process, the material market is growing. In particular, processing of high-temperature materials such as PEEK is demanding. The aim of the investigations is to test different PEEK materials regarding their processability in the FDM process. An unreinforced PEEK, a thermally conductive PEEK as well as a carbon fiber reinforced PEEK are investigated. The processability is assessed with the help of the weld seam strength. The assessment of the weld seam strength is carried out by building tests. For this purpose, a special method developed at the DMRC is used. In addition, a welding width factor between the strands deposited on each other is calculated and compared. Finally, a welding factor is determined to enable the comparison between the different materials. With this procedure, the influences of varying nozzle and build chamber temperatures on the achievable weld seam strengths are evaluated.