Joining mechanisms and mechanical properties of PA composites obtained by selective laser sintering

Additive manufacturing is today a viable industrial solution alongside traditional processes. Techniques like selective laser sintering (SLS) address the issues of digital production and mass customization in a variety of materials. Composite parts can be obtained with specific functional and mechanical properties. Building orientation during additive manufacturing often causes anisotropy of parts’ properties that is still unspecified in technical information. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanical performances and failure mechanisms of an aluminium-filled polyamide and of a new alumina-polyamide composite produced by SLS, in comparison with unfilled PA.