Mechanical Testing of Additively Manufactured Polymers
Disciplines
Manufacturing
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a manufacturing method that fabricates parts in a layer-by-layer process. AM has gained popularity due to its inherent ability to create less material waste. However, the layer-by-layer manufacturing process generates parts with properties that are challenging to predict. This anisotropic nature results from the different directions and printing parameters in which parts can be manufactured. This research aims to advance the understanding of the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured parts. To accomplish this, mechanical test samples were manufactured using material extrusion and tested in tension according to ASTM standards. Material extrusion is defined as an additive manufacturing process in which material is selectively dispensed through a nozzle or orifice according to ASTM standards. The variables modified during testing were the infill density and raster angle. Infill density is a measure of how much internal volume of a solid is printed; this can be decreased to save money on material. However, the strength of the part will decrease. The raster angle is the angle at which the infill was printed. The infill density varied incrementally between 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, while the raster angle varied between 0°-90°, 30°-60°, and 45°-45°. For each of these specimens, the effect of raster angle and infill density was studied and compared to identify optimal tradeoffs between the mechanical properties and different material parameters. Preliminary testing showed that as the infill density increased, the Young’s Modulus and Ultimate Tensile Strength also increased. The 45°-45° raster angle showed the highest Young’s Modulus and Ultimate Tensile Strength. The results of these experiments will provide engineers with a valuable tool for analyzing parts prior to manufacture, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing process.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Engineering Technology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
David Stollberg
Mechanical Testing of Additively Manufactured Polymers
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a manufacturing method that fabricates parts in a layer-by-layer process. AM has gained popularity due to its inherent ability to create less material waste. However, the layer-by-layer manufacturing process generates parts with properties that are challenging to predict. This anisotropic nature results from the different directions and printing parameters in which parts can be manufactured. This research aims to advance the understanding of the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured parts. To accomplish this, mechanical test samples were manufactured using material extrusion and tested in tension according to ASTM standards. Material extrusion is defined as an additive manufacturing process in which material is selectively dispensed through a nozzle or orifice according to ASTM standards. The variables modified during testing were the infill density and raster angle. Infill density is a measure of how much internal volume of a solid is printed; this can be decreased to save money on material. However, the strength of the part will decrease. The raster angle is the angle at which the infill was printed. The infill density varied incrementally between 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, while the raster angle varied between 0°-90°, 30°-60°, and 45°-45°. For each of these specimens, the effect of raster angle and infill density was studied and compared to identify optimal tradeoffs between the mechanical properties and different material parameters. Preliminary testing showed that as the infill density increased, the Young’s Modulus and Ultimate Tensile Strength also increased. The 45°-45° raster angle showed the highest Young’s Modulus and Ultimate Tensile Strength. The results of these experiments will provide engineers with a valuable tool for analyzing parts prior to manufacture, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing process.