Application-driven methodology for new additive manufacturing materials development

Purpose – A structured customer-driven and integrative methodology to develop materials is described. The proposed methodology is aimed to drive analysis and prioritization of the multiple variables involved in a new application case for 3D printing, which involves the development of a new alumina-starch-based powder. Design/methodology/approach – The development of new powder mixture designed for 3D printing of refractory supports for metal casting moulds is presented. The quality function deployment (QFD) method was applied. Inputs for QFD analysis were found using total quality management tools. Using this approach, six process and material variables were considered to drive a prioritization analysis using a Plackett-Burman Design of Experiment (DOE) array. As performance parameter, compressive resistance was measured and assessed. Findings – QFD analysis delivered standardized procedures, irrelevant factors and target values for intermediate step parameters. Sintering parameters were found to be the m...