Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of humidity changes on dimensional stability of 3D printed parts by selective laser sintering

  • Regular Paper
  • Published:
International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Across many industries, additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is being recognized more and more as an innovative manufacturing technology for the next generation. The automotive industry, especially, has paid huge attention to additive manufacturing, and actively applies it to their design, research, development and manufacturing processes. Selective laser sintering (SLS) in additive manufacturing is emerging and popular, and is often used to produce jigs and fixtures for cost benefits and efficiency in the manufacturing industry. However, the application of additive manufacturing is still limited due to the lack of dimensional stability of 3D printed parts associated with changes in temperature and humidity. This paper examines the effect of humidity changes on the dimensional stability of 3D printed parts made by the SLS process. The test results demonstrated changes in relative humidity may result in design specification violation in terms of dimensional requirement while in use.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Jang, S. H., Oh, S. T., Lee, I. H., Kim, H.-C., and Cho, H. Y., “3-Dimensional Circuit Device Fabrication Process Using Stereolithography and Direct Writing,” Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf., Vol. 16, No. 7, pp. 1361–1367, 2015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Ho, C. M. B., Ng, S. H., and Yoon, Y.-J., “A Review on 3D Printed Bioimplants,” Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf., Vol. 16, No. 5, pp. 1035–1046, 2015.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Guo, N. and Leu, M. C., “Additive Manufacturing: Technology, Applications and Research Needs,” Frontiers of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 215–243, 2013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Gausemeier, I. J. and Echterhoff, N., “Thinking Ahead the Future of Additive Manufacturing -Future Applications,” http://www.innovations-wissen.de/uploads/tx_publicationscrud/pdfs/Thinking_ahead_the_Future_of_Additive_Manufacturing_-_Future_Applications__2_.pdf (Accessed 14 JUL 2017)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Frost & Sullivan, “World Rapid Prototyping Equipment Markets,” Subscription No. N191-01, 2007.

  6. Lee, C.-M, Woo, W.-S., Baek, J.-T. and Kim, E.-J., “Laser and Arc Manufacturing Processes: A Review,” Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf., Vol. 17, No. 7, pp. 973–985, 2016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Eshraghi, S., Karevan, M., Kalaitzidou, K., and Das, S., “Processing and Properties of Electrically Conductive Nanocomposites Based on Polyamide-12 Filled with Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets Prepared by Selective Laser Sintering,” Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf., Vol. 14, No. 11, pp. 1947–1951, 2013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Yang, Y., Yarka, C., Cao, J., and Ehmann, K., “RETRACTED ARTICLE: Feasibility of Using Copper (II) Oxide for Additive Manufacturing,” Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf., Vol. 15, No. 9, pp. 1961–1965, 2014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Petrovic, V., Vicente Haro Gonzalez, J., Jorda Ferrando, O., Delgado Gordillo, J., Ramon Blasco Puchades, J., and Portoles Grinan, L., “Additive Layered Manufacturing: Sectors of Industrial Application Shown through Case Studies,” International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 1061–1079, 2011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Bourell, D. L., Watt, T. J., Leigh, D. K., and Fulcher, B., “Performance Limitations in Polymer Laser Sintering,” Physics Procedia, Vol. 56, pp. 147–156, 2014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Shen, J., Steinberger, J., Gopfert, J., Gerner, R., Daiber, F., et al., “Inhomogeneous Shrinkage of Polymer Materials in Selective Laser Sintering,” Proc. of Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium Proceedings, pp. 298–305, 2000.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Clare, A. T., Chalker, P. R., Davies, S., Sutcliffe, C. J., and Tsopanos, S., “Selective Laser Melting of High Aspect Ratio 3D Nickel-Titanium Structures Two Way Trained for MEMS Applications,” International Journal of Mechanics and Materials in Design, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 181–187, 2008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Meredith, R. and Hsu, B. S., “Dynamic Bending Properties of Fibers: Effect of Temperature on Nylon 66, Terylene, Orlon, and Viscose Rayon,” Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol. 61, No. 172, pp. 271–292, 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Quistwater, J. M. R., and Dunell, B. A., “Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Nylon 66 and the Plasticizing Effect of Water Vapor on Nylon,” Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol. 28, No. 117, pp. 309–318, 1958.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Dupin, S., Lame, O., Barrès, C., and Charmeau, J.-Y., “Microstructural Origin of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polyamide 12 Processed by Laser Sintering,” European Polymer Journal, Vol. 48, No. 9, pp. 1611–1621, 2012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Ilkgün, Ö., “Effects of Production Parameters on Porosity and Hole Properties in Laser Sintering Rapid Prototyping Process,” M.Sc. Thesis, Middle East Technical University Ankara, 2005.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Ku, C. W. J., Gibson, I., and Cheung, W. L., “Selective Laser Sintered Castform Polystyrene with Controlled Porosity and Its Infiltration by Red Wax,” Proc. of Solid Free Form Fabrication Symposium, pp. 107–114, 2002.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Chatterjee, A. N., Kumar, S., Saha, P., Mishra, P. K., and Choudhury, A. R., “An Experimental Design Approach to Selective Laser Sintering of Low Carbon Steel,” Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Vol. 136, No. 1, pp. 151–157, 2003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Haffane, N., Benameur, T., and Vergnaud, J., “Hardness Variation of a Thermoset in Contact with a Liquid,” Polymer Testing, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 259–270, 1997.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Lassila, L. V. J., Nohrström, T., and Vallittu, P. K., “The Influence of Short-Term Water Storage on the Flexural Properties of Unidirectional Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composites,” Biomaterials, Vol. 23, No. 10, pp. 2221–2229, 2002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Liu, X. Y. and Jiang, J., “Environmental Effects on the Dimensions of SL5195 Resin,” Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 88–94, 2003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Park, J., Tari, M. J., and Hahn, H. T., “Characterization of the Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) Process,” Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 36–50, 2000.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Suwanprateeb, J., “Comparative Study of 3DP Material Systems for Moisture Resistance Applications,” Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 48–52, 2007.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of System Design and Control Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, 50, UNIST-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, 44919, South Korea

    Daeil Kwon, Eunju Park, Sangho Ha & Namhun Kim

Authors
  1. Daeil Kwon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Eunju Park
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sangho Ha
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Namhun Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Namhun Kim.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kwon, D., Park, E., Ha, S. et al. Effect of humidity changes on dimensional stability of 3D printed parts by selective laser sintering. Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf. 18, 1275–1280 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-017-0150-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-017-0150-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation