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GC-MS Analysis on 3D Printed Titanium
Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is transforming how products and parts are manufactured. It enables the creation and freedom of design for a variety of products from personal items such as keychains to customized consumer products in medical, aerospace, automotive industries and more. The product quality requirements in these high-tech sectors have validated the need for advanced materials characterization.
Contamination Analysis Using GC-MS
In this example, we noticed contamination on a 3D printed titanium sample. The contamination appeared to be a silicon-based oil/grease contamination which may have occurred during the printing process. We decided to use Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) as it is a technique that can detect and identify the volatile compounds present in most oils, greases and silicones.
Outgassing GC-MS can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as solvents, adhesives/epoxies, monomers, and oils at a ppb detection limit. The 3D cast titanium sample was outgassed at 275 C for 60 minutes with the cryotrap temperature held at -70 C. The data shows peaks correlating to common cyclic siloxane species present on the 3D printed part. This data agreed with previous technique
assessments that silicone species were present, but goes a step further by identifying the exact silicone species.
The total ion chromatogram (TIC) of printed titanium sample outgassed at 275 C for 60 minutes focusing on silicone species. The use of outgassing GC-MS verified the silicone and that it will outgas at elevated temperature.
GC-MS can help with failure analysis or contamination characterization analysis on 3D printed parts. Utilizing a variety of different sampling techniques, GC-MS is a versatile tool that can identify specific species of volatile organic compounds. GC-MS can reveal not just classifications of molecules, but the exact molecules present in an analysis. This technique is innately semi-quantitative, but can be quantitative by using multi-point calibration curves for species of interest.
At Eurofins EAG, our technical experts have many years of experience working with our clients to help solve contamination and failure-related problems. Contact us today to learn how we can help you on your next 3D printed project.
Related Resources
- Webinar: Metal Based Additive Manufacturing Analysis
- Webinar: GC-MS
- Application Note: Additive Manufacturing: Metallurgical and Material Services
- Application Note: Analysis of Contaminants by Thermal Desorption GC-MS
- Service: Contaminant Identification
- Technique: GC-MS
- Industry: Aerospace
- Industry: Automotive
- Industry: Medical Devices
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