Hexcel Corporation
Polymer Powder and Method of Preparing the Same

Abstract:

A powder composition suitable for use in selective laser sintering for printing an object. The powder composition includes a first fraction comprising a plurality of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) particles having a mean diameter less than 30 microns, a second fraction comprising a plurality of polyaryletherketone (PAEK) particles having a mean diameter greater than 30 microns, and a third fraction comprising a plurality of carbon fibers. The first fraction and the second fraction are formed by an air classification separation performed on a pulverized powder. After the separation, the first fraction, the second fraction, and the third fraction are blended in a high intensity mixer. The powder composition when used in selective laser sinter results in parts with increased tensile strength and reduced surface roughness, among other improvements, as compared to similar powders omitting the first fraction. The PAEK may include polyetherketoneketone (PEKK).