Cavitation resistance of the material PA 3200 GF produced by selective laser sintering

Abstract

The present study focuses on the results of cavitation resistance research of samples obtained by the Selective Laser Sintering technology. The samples were made from polyamide powder reinforced with glass beads – PA 3200 GF. The laser-sintered samples were produced from 100% new and recycled powder mixed with 70% of new powder. The samples were tested under cavitation conditions using an ultrasonic vibration method with a stationary sample according to the ASTM G32 standard. Examination of the morphology of cavitation damage was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The change in mass loss during different cavitation times was measured on the tested samples. The main objective of the research was to determine the validity of the application of the tested material in cavitation conditions.