Post-treatment of ABS samples manufactured by FDM

FDM is used for printing parts from thermoplastic polymers, polymer matrix composites, biocomposites or polymer-ceramic composites, nanocomposites and fiber-reinforced composites. The main disadvantage of this method is the reduced physical and mechanical characteristics due to the presence of pores and poor adhesion of layers. The post-treatment is one of the ways to improve this properties. The heat treatment has the greatest impact among all types of post-treatment processing on the surface quality and physical and mechanical properties of finished products. The paper studies the physical and mechanical properties of samples from ABS plastic (REC brand) printed by FDM and subjected to thermal post-treatment. Two methods of thermal post-treatment were considered: in NaCl powder and in closed form with pressure. The test results of the printed samples were compared with the test results of the samples obtained by injection molding. Comparison of strength and porosity showed that the properties of printed samples after post-treatment by both methods are comparable to the properties of samples obtained by injection molding.