Open AccessLaser Beam Polishing of Polymers
Author(s) -
Layher Michel,
Hopf Andreas,
Eckhardt Lukas,
Bliedtner Jens
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
photonicsviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2626-1308
pISSN - 2626-1294
DOI - 10.1002/phvs.201900025
Subject(s) - polishing , materials science , nozzle , limiting , surface roughness , surface finish , polymer , laser , flexibility (engineering) , beam (structure) , extrusion , composite material , optics , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , statistics , mathematics
Fused layer manufacturing (FLM) is an additive manufacturing process in which parts are built in layers by localized extrusion of molten polymer through a nozzle. It offers a high degree of geometrical flexibility as well as a wide range of suitable materials. Unfortunately, a characteristically high surface roughness is limiting the number of possible applications. The following article provides investigations regarding the remelting of FLM surfaces via laser beam polishing as an effective method for achieving a reduced roughness.