Patent ID: 9580551
Date: 2017-02-28
CPC Classifications: B29B,B29C,B33Y,C08F,C08G,C08L

Claim:
1. A material in powdered form for additive manufacturing having a narrowed melting curve relative to untreated material, the material comprising: at least one thermoplastic polymer with preexisting crystalline states that has been treated after polymerization by heat under inert gas, starting at a specified temperature, to modify at least one of melting temperature (Tm), recrystallization temperature (Trc) and melt enthalpy (ΔHm), wherein the treatment temperature is not more than 30 degrees C. lower, not more than 20 degrees C. lower, or not more than 10 degrees C. lower than the melting temperature (Tm) of the untreated material; and wherein the heat treatment time is at least one hour, optionally, at least ten hours, or at least fifteen hours.