FDM Metal-Particle Deposition for Strong Polymer-to-Metal Adhesion

The patent changes the temperature parameter during the FDM process, specifically heating the metal part to a temperature between 50-150°C before and during thermoplastic material deposition. This temperature parameter change enhances the adhesion between the thermoplastic material and metal part by improving molecular diffusion and bonding at the interface, thereby resolving the adhesion durability problem without requiring complex additional manufacturing steps

The patent applies preliminary heating to the metal part surface before depositing the thermoplastic material. By pre-heating the metal substrate to an optimal temperature range, the surface becomes more receptive to material bonding, creating favorable conditions for strong adhesion before the actual deposition process begins. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process while ensuring reliable bonding

The patent applies local heating by selectively heating only the metal part surface in the deposition area to a moderate temperature (50-150°C), rather than heating the entire system or using extremely high nozzle temperatures. This localized temperature control achieves strong adhesion through enhanced interfacial bonding while minimizing overall energy consumption by concentrating thermal energy only where needed

The heated metal part surface acts as an intermediary that facilitates bonding between the thermoplastic material and the metal substrate. By maintaining the metal surface at an optimal intermediate temperature, the patent enables effective heat and mass transfer at the interface, achieving strong adhesion without requiring the nozzle to reach extreme temperatures that would consume excessive energy