Liquid to Fused Deposition Modeling (L-FDM)—A Revolution in Application Chemicals to 3D Printing Technology—Mechanical and Functional Properties

Abstract

A novel L-FDM technique that builds upon the fundamentals of the FDM additive manufacturing process has been developed. It includes a mechanism that directly incorporates a chemical substance and alters polymer fibers throughout the fine process. This method eliminates the need for additional extrusion operations and compounding equipment to introduce chemical additives and solvents. This advancement opens up new opportunities for printers to be used in chemical labs to test new or known chemical substances. The paper outlines the technological assumptions, potential applications, and practical examples of direct filament modification using the L-FDM technique. The modifications made to the mechanical properties of the printed objects were confirmed through thermal analysis techniques (DSC), water contact angle measurements, electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), and mechanical analysis.