Additive Manufacturing of Low-Temperature-Processable Polycarbonate in a Hermetically Heated Industrial-Scale Chamber and its Applications

초록

Among the various additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, material extrusion (MEX) is widely used due to its multiple advantages, including broad material compatibility, a simple mechanism, and cost efficiency. In this study, we investigate the AM-ability of a low-temperature-processable polycarbonate (PC) from processing optimization to industrial application. We first characterize the heat uniformity of the hermetically heated chamber to ensure a stable AM environment for large-format fabrication. We then evaluate the influence of chamber temperature on dimensional stability by observing deformation behavior under different thermal conditions. Additionally, tensile specimens are fabricated at multiple nozzle temperatures to assess the effect of processing temperature on interlayer bonding and mechanical performance. Finally, we demonstrate the practical applicability of this material by designing, AM, and assembling a lightweight bicycle frame under optimized conditions. This study shows that low-temperature-processable PC is a promising engineering polymer for large-format MEX, enabling lightweight and functional structural components for personalized consumer and industrial applications.

키워드