Abstract No.:	7294
Title:	CGS metallization of polymers for 3D printing
Authors:	Vicente Albaladejo-Fuentes / University of Barcelona, Spain Rodolpho Vaz / Thermal Spray Center (CPT), Dpt. Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Spain Victor Gómez/ Thermal Spray Center (CPT), Dpt. Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Spain Javier Sánchez/ Thermal Spray Center (CPT), Dpt. Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Spain Irene Garcia Cano/ Thermal Spray Center (CPT), Dpt. Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Spain
Abstract:	3D printing is a ground-breaking approach to manufacturing, reducing product development cycles and allowing geometrically complex parts among other benefits. Great developments have been occurring during the last 5 years in this field but they are probably more apparent in the case of metal 3D printing. But even at today’s level of development, polymer 3D printing has no match in terms of affordability and simplicity. However, polymers cannot always provide the surface characteristics required for a final part. And, in some cases, metal 3D printing it is just not an option because of economical or technical reasons. Thus, there would be occasions where a combination of a polymer 3D printed part coupled with a metallic coating might be the best solution. Thermal spraying has been used for the production of coatings for different markets and applications. Thermal sprayed coatings are relatively thick, show a good adhesion and they are very versatile in terms of composition and ways of deposition. CGS is a technique within Thermal Spray that has been developed for the last years and that is particularly effective for the deposition of metal coatings. The study, here shown, explores the possibilities of using CGS for the surface modification of polymers commonly used for 3D printing by depositing a thick coating of a suitable metal. The polymers used has been ABS, PA12 and PEEK coupled with Al, Cu and Ti as materials for coatings. Several metal coatings with different thicknesses have been deposited on the polymers and the effect of the metal and the spraying process on the polymer surface has been studied. The adhesion of the coatings has also been measured.

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