(187e) Development of a Selective Powder Deposition (SPD) 3D Printer

Current powder-based 3D printing methods such as selective laser sintering (SLS) and binder jetting (BJT) create functional gradients by tuning the laser power/ raster speed and the composition and level of saturation of the liquid binders. However, they lack the ability to vary the powder composition on demand for creating heterogenous, functionally graded composites. In this presentation, we will share our latest research in developing a novel selective powder deposition (SPD) method capable of selectively depositing various polymer and metal powders without using a liquid carrier or solvent. The SPD method aims to: (i) address unmet needs in mixing powder on demand for SLS and BJT of functionally graded structures, (ii) spare materials by depositing powders only in selected locations that will either form the final part or provide necessary support, thereby minimizing powder usage and reclaim, and (iii) enable solvent-less processing to avoid the need for liquid removal that is not only energy consuming but may also result in unwanted property changes due to a thermal history.