Evaluation of 3D-printed plastics for Ultra-High Vacuum applications: Outgassing, and residual gas analysis
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The demand for cost- and time-effective and customizable components for High Vacuum (HV) and Ultra-High Vacuum (UHV) systems has prompted exploration into the application of 3D-printing technology. This study investigates the viability of utilizing 3D-printed plastics in UHV environments by evaluating their outgassing properties. An extensive evaluation of 3D-printing materials was carried out, highlighting the best polymer candidates using two of the most common 3D-printing techniques, Fused Deposition Modelling \cite{crump1992fdm, upcraft2003rapid} and Stereolithography \cite{hull1986sla, upcraft2003rapid}. Further experimental investigations were conducted to assess the performance of select 3D-printed plastics under UHV conditions, focusing on their low outgassing and resistance to baking temperatures. Furthermore, residual gas analysis was used to evaluate the materials compatibility with Non-Evaporable Getter coated systems and possible presence of other contaminants. The findings suggest that certain 3D-printed plastics exhibit promising characteristics for use in HV and UHV systems, with notable examples including cyclic olefin copolymer and polyetheretherketone along with Rigid 10K and Tullomer™. A comparison between machined and 3D-printed parts demonstrated that challenges such as porosity and surface roughness showed not to be a cause of great concern.
Source: Vacuum
Institutions: Lund University, MAX IV Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
OpenAlex ID: W4405747619