Temperature-Dependent Thermal Properties of Nearly Amorphous Polyamide 6

The Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process has established itself as a key technology in prototyping and development and has garnered increasing interest in academic research. A substantial body of research on the FFF process has focused on the influence of process parameters on the resultant material/part properties. The thermal history of the printed part has proven itself as one of the most important factors in the printing process. It influences warping behavior, dimensional accuracy, build plate adhesion, as well as the mechanical properties of the finished part. A key requirement for understanding the influence of thermal history is the knowledge of the thermal properties of the considered material. In this study, the temperature-dependent thermal properties (isobaric heat capacity, thermal conductivity and density) of an unfilled polyamide 6 material for 3D printing are provided. Special attention is given to discussing the challenges associated with measuring these properties, particularly regarding how well the measured values represent the actual conditions during the printing process.