Sliding contact performance of injection moulded and selective laser sintered polyamide under dry and lubricated conditions

PurposeThis paper aims to understand the effect of the manufacturing process on the frictional and wear performance of polyamide. Design/methodology/approachPin specimens were manufactured through injection moulding (IM) and selective laser sintering (SLS) manufacturing processes. The friction and wear performance was evaluated using a pin-on-disc configuration under dry and oil-lubricated conditions. The friction coefficient, wear resistance and surface temperature of specimens were measured, and failure morphology analysis was carried out to understand the mechanism. FindingsSLS material exhibited significantly less friction, wear and surface temperature than IM material under dry conditions. Reduced ductility due to the sintering contributes to reduced friction, wear and heat generation. Under the dry condition, IM material exhibited plastic flow and roll-shaped deformation, whereas SLS material exhibited only local degradation due to its lesser ductility. Lubrication reduced friction and temperature for both SLS and IM materials. The porous nature of the sintered surface absorbed the lubricant and released it while sliding, which is confirmed by the brown-coloured wear track. Originality/valueThe study provides valuable input to the designers on the sliding contact performance of commonly adopted two different manufacturing processes of polymers; IM and SLS manufacturing.