Powder-Bed Fusion of Polymers

According to International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/ASTM International 52900, additive manufacturing (AM) can be classified into material extrusion, material jetting, vat photo polymerization, binder jetting, sheet lamination, powder-bed fusion (PBF), and directed-energy deposition. This article discusses the processes involved in polymer powder 3D printing using laser fusion/ sintering and fusing agents and energy, as well as the thermally fused PBF. It provides information on polymer powder parameters and modeling, the powder-handling system, powder characterization, the flowability of powder feedstock, and polymer part characteristics. The article describes the types of polymers in PBF, the processes involved in powder recycling, and the prospects of PBF in AM. In addition, the biomedical application of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is also covered.