Printer orientation effects and performance of novel 3-D printable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composite filaments for thermal enhancement

This study presents a fabrication method to create various 3-D printable acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composite filaments designed for thermal applications and improved heat transfer versus typical plastics. Thermal conductivity data and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images are presented and discussed to discern filler morphology and alignment. The effects of different printer orientations on thermal conductivity are established. Results indicate nanotube and flake fillers align with filament print direction, and structures printed in the vertical print orientation can improve thermal conductivity by as much as 70% over a horizontal print orientation.