Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate thermoplastic materials design and fabrication processes for manufacturing composite impeller blades. Polyurethane (Necuron) and ABS (3D printed) thermoplastics were chosen due to their good mechanical properties, tooling applications, easy manufacturing and lifetime. For both thermoplastics, workability and hardness tests were performed, as well as microstructural and mechanical characterization evaluating their physical and mechanical properties. A 1:2.5 scale mould was designed and milled from Necuron N651 and N1001 and used for manufacturing of 1:2.5 scale composite impeller blades. Also, 1:1 scale ABS mould components were 3D printed and used to manufacture full scale composite impeller blades. All composite impeller presented good surface quality and tolerances with respect to CAD design, thus answering to requirements related to composite processing
Keywords: polyurethane material; composite materials; impeller blade; centrifugal rotor