Microstructure and Phase Analysis of 3D-Printed Components Using Bronze Metal Filament

Typical metal 3D printing processes with powders require either a laser or electron beam as the heating source. In this work, an alternative non-expensive metal 3D printing process based on the fused deposition modeling process using metal filled filament is studied. Using bronze filament as a feedstock, the microstructures, phases, compositions of the filament, as-printed, and sintered specimens are analyzed. The 3D printing process basically does not modify the morphology and phases of the filament. Sintering temperature below 832 °C is recommended. Above 832 °C, there are substantial oxidation reactions leading to the formation of copper oxide and cassiterite shell structure around the bronze core. The mechanical properties of the 3D-printed sample are measured using the three-point bending test. The measured flexural strength is 27.9 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity is 1.2 GPa. This study provides important information for applying the bronze filament in future engineering applications.