Understanding customer preferences: comparing additive manufacturing powders (PA2200 & PA2221) in a South African context

Abstract

This study aims to determine the properties of polymer powders for laser sintering (LS) which are most desirable from a customer perspective. With multiple options of imported material being available, it is possible to directly compare different materials to each other. Historical usage data is available for two sintering materials, ie. PA2200 and PA2221. This data shows the demand for the different powders over time. Questioners will be used to further analyse the requirements of the VUT's clients. The information gathered will be used to create a foundation for qualifying new and possible locally sourced materials for additive manufacturing operations in South Africa. Schmid, M. and Wegener, K. (2016) noted that AM is becoming a viable production technique, however there is a significant limitation on applicable materials. They also showed that only 1/200 000th of the quantity of polymer material sold globally is produced as LS powder. The possibility of localising this material has obvious financial and business model implications for South Africa, and will likely increase market penetration in the country by lowering the cost of AM parts. Producing polymer powders for export will also be a possibility if local testing is successful.