Multimaterial printing and characterization for mechanical and surface properties of functionally graded prototype

Abstract

In this work, an effort has been made for multimaterial three-dimensional printing of functionally graded prototypes of polylactic acid matrix (tensile specimens as per ASTM D638 type IV) followed by characterization of mechanical and surface properties. The work is an extension of previous reported studies on twin-screw extrusion process for the preparation of multimaterial wires as feedstock filaments in possible three-dimensional printing applications. The results of the study suggest that the highest peak strength (46.28 MPa) and break strength (41.65 MPa) was obtained for multimaterial three-dimensional printed samples at infill density 100%, infill angle 45°, and infill speed of 90 mm/s on commercial open source fused deposition modeling setup. Further surface hardness measurements performed on two extreme surfaces (top surface comprising magnetite (Fe3O4)-reinforced polylactic acid and bottom with polylactic acid without any reinforcement) revealed that the hardness for the bottom layer was more than the hardness for the top layer. From fractured surface analysis (using photomicrographs), it has been observed that the three-dimensional printed samples with low infill density resulted into more void formation due to which the performance while mechanical testing was poor in comparison to samples printed with higher infill density. The results are also supported by rendered images of photomicrographs, which revealed that high roughness value of samples printed with low infill density was also one of the reasons for poor mechanical performance of multimaterial three-dimensional printed functionally graded prototypes.

Flexural, pull-out, and fractured surface characterization for multi-material 3D printed functionally graded prototype

“…The present investigation is an extension of previously reported work; therefore, material composition selected is same as it was previously optimized for feedstock filament. 24 Four types of feedstock filaments made of multi-material blend (namely, (1) Virgin PLA, (2) PLA 75 wt% reinforced with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 25 wt%, (3) PLA 80 wt% reinforced with Fe 3 O 4 20 wt%, and (4) PLA 95 wt% reinforced with wood powder 5 wt%) were prepared with required diameter of 1.75 AE 0.05 mm. Sufficient length of feedstock filaments was prepared so that 3D printing may become possible without any interruption or shortage of feedstock.…”

“…As established and reported in the previous work, the TSE was performed on 170℃ of screw temperature, 45 r/min of screw rotation and 5 kg of loading conditions. 24…”

“…in future with the invention of new smart fabric materials. [23][24][25][26] From the literature survey, it has been observed that some researchers have explored the 3D printing of PLA composite matrix with various reinforcements via FDM route. But hitherto very less has been reported on flexural and pull-out properties of multi-material 3D printed functionally graded prototypes (in which different layers are printed with different material combinations for specific/tailor-made applications).…”

Investigating the relation between debinding atmosphere and mechanical properties of stereolithography-based three-dimensional printed Al2O3 ceramic

“…12 Currently, 3D printing technology gained increasing interest among industry and academic fields and was called “the third industrial revolution.” 13–15 Many recent research works have promoted the development of 3D printing technology. 16–18…”

“…[13][14][15] Many recent research works have promoted the development of 3D printing technology. [16][17][18] The rapid development of 3D printing technology for metal and resin materials also promoted the development of 3D printing technology for ceramics. 19 Alumina-based ceramics are very stable materials with excellent resistance to acid, alkali, and high temperature.…”