Frictional Properties of 3D Printing Polymers in Vacuum

This paper describes friction tests of 3D printing materials in vacuum. The tests were conducted on reciprocally moving samples placed in vacuum at temperatures of up to 130°C. The samples were made from commercially available 3D printing materials (SBS, ABS, PETG, PLA, NYLON SUPER CARBON 2). The dependences of the in-vacuum friction coefficient of the samples on the sample temperature and critical temperatures of using the samples in vacuum were derived. Polymers PETG, NYLON SUPER CARBON 2 can be used in friction assemblies operated in vacuum because these materials have a low friction coefficient at room and high temperatures. The lowest friction coefficient at room temperature and the greatest thermal resistance are exhibited by NYLON SUPER CARBON 2. The research results can be applied in manufacturing 3D printing devices parts for use in vacuum.