Three-dimensional printing with polyolefin and metal or metal oxide build materials

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for making three-dimensional printed objects. In one example, a method of making a three-dimensional printed object can include iteratively applying individual particulate build material layers to a powder bed. The particulate build material can include polymer particles that include a polyolefin and first nanoparticles compounded nanoparticles compounded with the polyolefin such that the first nanoparticles are embedded nanoparticles are embedded within the polymer particles. Second nanoparticles can be dry blended with the polymer particles. The first nanoparticles and second nanoparticles can include metal or metal oxide. The first and second nanoparticles can have a higher thermal conductivity that the polyolefin. A fusing agent including water and an electromagnetic radiation absorber can be selectively jetted onto the individual particulate build material layers. The powder bed can be exposed to energy to selective-fuse the polymer particles in contact with the electromagnetic radiation absorber.