Mechanical and Wear Performance Enhancement of a 3D-Printer Nozzle Fabricated from Millscale-Modified Copper-Zinc Alloy

Authors: Sekunowo, O.I., Agboola, J.B. And Oserei, L.F.

DOI Info: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8093857

ABSTRACT

The challenge of dysfunctional engineering components produced via additive manufacturing is a current global concern. This appears to stem from the relatively poor mechanical performances often exhibited by 3D-printers nozzles produced from brass. The current study investigated the feasibility of enhancing the wear and mechanical properties of 3D-printers nozzles using iron-millscale modified copper-zinc alloy as a viable alternative. The methodology entailed addition of varying weight percent of iron-millscale (IMS) into copper-zinc alloy aimed at significantly modifying its microstructure for desirable impact on the mechanical properties. The charges were melted in an induction furnace, cast in metal moulds and characterised for wear and mechanical properties. Results show that the formulation containing 6 wt. % IMS addition exhibited superior mechanical characteristics in terms of hardness (201.4 VHN), wear rate (0.69 cm² x 10^-6), wear resistance (934.9 cm^-2 x 10³) and modest impact energy (30.3 J). These results compare well with desirable wear and mechanical properties of high quality 3D printer nozzles. Contributions to this level of performances may have emanated from the refined microstructure showing homogeneously dispersed fine CuFe_{3Zn2 crystals. It is concluded that the developed alloy is a viable candidate material for 3D printer nozzle production.}

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