https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2018.024
Published: Kem. Ind. 67 (13) (2018) P95–P106
Paper reference number: KUI-24/2018
Paper type: Original scientific paper
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Milliflow Reactors Produced by Additive Manufacturing

M. Lukić, T. Rahelić and D. Vrsaljko

Abstract

Additive manufacturing enables production of prototypes and products with complex geometries, which cannot be created using regular manufacturing processes like turning and milling. With FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) and SLA (Stereolithography), it is possible to produce internal structures, light gage pipes (millichannels), and parts within the parts (baffles). The aim of this research was to explore the possibilities of 3D printing on Zortrax M200 (FFF) and Formlabs Form 2 (SLA) devices for production of functional millireactors with internal baffles. In order to investigate the influence of millichannels on the chemical reaction, but also demonstrate the functionality of the whole system, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) were synthesized by transesterification of sunflower oil using methanol with the addition of base catalyst KOH.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Keywords

millireactor with internal baffles, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, fused filament fabrication, stereolithography, synthesis of FAME