High Temperature Laser Sintering (HT-LS): An investigation into mechanical properties and shrinkage characteristics of Poly (Ether Ketone) (PEK) structures

•First study into fabrication of laser sintered Poly (Ether) Ketone (PEK) parts.•First detailed shrinkage map of the high temperature laser sintering (HT-LS).•First study to report mechanical data of PEK samples built in Z directions.•The surface and core of the PEK samples had 6% difference in crystallinity.•Strong colour changes were noticed across samples.

This paper presents an investigation into the properties of Poly Ether Ketone (PEK) components using the commercial high temperature laser sintering system, EOSINT P800. The shrinkage and the mechanical performance of components across the entire build chamber have been tested and a non-linear shrinkage profile has been obtained. The middle of the build chamber recorded the highest degree of shrinkage and the shrinkage in Z direction had the largest variation. The laser sintered components built in X and Y directions recorded a 10% lower tensile strength than the injection moulded samples of the same material where those built in the Z direction showed an approximately 50% decrease in strength in comparison with the injection moulded test specimens. The crystallinity between the skin and the core of the sintered samples was different; varied with the position within the build chamber and coincided with noticeable sample colour changes.