Formulation of Lamination Conditions and Interface Studies using Acrylic Binder System for LOM 9

A multicomponent binder-plasticiser system based on acrylates was formulated for making flexible tapes of Alumina (58 volume %), to be used for Laminated Object Manufacturing. Optimum lamination parameters were arrived at by viscosity measurement of the binder-plasticiser system and dilatometry of the compounded tapes . Lamination was done at five different temperatures (75, 85, 90, 95 and 110°C) with solvent (toluene-butanol) spray and under three different pressures ( below 50 psi). The interlaminar strength was measured and interface studies were made using SEM .The shrinkage along the Z direction during lamination was in the range of 1.7-3.5%. Highest interlaminar strength and defect free lamination could be achieved at the intermediate temperature of 90o C, due to sufficient reduction of polymer viscosity and presence of solvent.