Justification of the Use of Composite Metal-Metal-Polymer Parts for Functional Structures

Polymers (Basel). 2022 Jan 17;14(2):352. doi: 10.3390/polym14020352.

Abstract

The additive manufacturing of metal parts takes up an increasing number of areas of mechanical engineering, but it still remains too expensive for mass use. Based on the experience in the production of combined metal-metal-polymer forming parts of molds, a new method for the production of composite parts from a metal shell filled with metal-polymer is proposed. As a basis for the study, strength calculations are given by the finite element method for the details of the exoskeleton and a sample of simplified geometry. Comparison of the strength characteristics of parts made of various materials and their combinations showed high strength characteristics of a composite part made of a metal shell and a metal-polymer filler. The metal-metal polymer composite part is distinguished not only by its high strength but also by a significantly lower cost, due to the reduction in the volume of 3D printing with metal. The problems of obtaining composite structures are also discussed. The main problem is the development of a metal-polymer casting technology. The process of filling a thin-walled shell with a metal-polymer causes difficulty.

Keywords: additive manufacturing; composites; generative design; material consumption; mechanical characteristics; metal polymers; thermosetting plastic; topological optimization.

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