Hexcel Corporation
Method for preparing fine powders for use in selective laser sintering processes

Abstract:

A process for preparing a feedstock having polyaryletherketone particles for using in selective laser sintering. The process includes the steps of determining a particle size distribution of the polyaryletherketone particles in the feedstock based on a number of particles corresponding to each of a plurality of particle size ranges to obtain a particle size distribution determination. The process further includes the step of reducing the number of particles in the feedstock corresponding to one or more size ranges having a depressed melting temperature relative to the average melting temperature of the polyaryletherketone particles in the feedstock based on the particle size distribution determination.