Mechanical characterization of 3D printed, non-planar lattice structures under quasi-static cyclic loading

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 707-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C.S. McCaw ◽  
Enrique Cuan-Urquizo

Purpose While additive manufacturing via melt-extrusion of plastics has been around for more than several decades, its application to complex geometries has been hampered by the discretization of parts into planar layers. This requires wasted support material and introduces anisotropic weaknesses due to poor layer-to-layer adhesion. Curved-layer manufacturing has been gaining attention recently, with increasing potential to fabricate complex, low-weight structures, such as mechanical metamaterials. This paper aims to study the fabrication and mechanical characterization of non-planar lattice structures under cyclic loading. Design/methodology/approach A mathematical approach to parametrize lattices onto Bèzier surfaces is validated and applied here to fabricate non-planar lattice samples via curved-layer fused deposition modeling. The lattice chirality, amplitude and unit cell size were varied, and the properties of the samples under cyclic-loading were studied experimentally. Findings Overall, lattices with higher auxeticity showed less energy dissipation, attributed to their bending-deformation mechanism. Additionally, bistability was eliminated with increasing auxeticity, reinforcing the conclusion of bending-dominated behavior. The analysis presented here demonstrates that mechanical metamaterial lattices such as auxetics can be explored experimentally for complex geometries where traditional methods of comparing simple geometry to end-use designs are not applicable. Research limitations/implications The mechanics of non-planar lattice structures fabricated using curved-layer additive manufacturing have not been studied thoroughly. Furthermore, traditional approaches do not apply due to parameterization deformations, requiring novel approaches to their study. Here the properties of such structures under cyclic-loading are studied experimentally for the first time. Applications for this type of structures can be found in areas like biomedical scaffolds and stents, sandwich-panel packaging, aerospace structures and architecture of lattice domes. Originality/value This work presents an experimental approach to study the mechanical properties of non-planar lattice structures via quasi-static cyclic loading, comparing variations across several lattice patterns including auxetic sinusoids, disrupted sinusoids and their equivalent-density quadratic patterns.

Author(s):  
Arash Alex Mazhari ◽  
Randall Ticknor ◽  
Sean Swei ◽  
Stanley Krzesniak ◽  
Mircea Teodorescu

AbstractThe sensitivity of additive manufacturing (AM) to the variability of feedstock quality, machine calibration, and accuracy drives the need for frequent characterization of fabricated objects for a robust material process. The constant testing is fiscally and logistically intensive, often requiring coupons that are manufactured and tested in independent facilities. As a step toward integrating testing and characterization into the AM process while reducing cost, we propose the automated testing and characterization of AM (ATCAM). ATCAM is configured for fused deposition modeling (FDM) and introduces the concept of dynamic coupons to generate large quantities of basic AM samples. An in situ actuator is printed on the build surface to deploy coupons through impact, which is sensed by a load cell system utilizing machine learning (ML) to correlate AM data. We test ATCAM’s ability to distinguish the quality of three PLA feedstock at differing price points by generating and comparing 3000 dynamic coupons in 10 repetitions of 100 coupon cycles per material. ATCAM correlated the quality of each feedstock and visualized fatigue of in situ actuators over each testing cycle. Three ML algorithms were then compared, with Gradient Boost regression demonstrating a 71% correlation of dynamic coupons to their parent feedstock and provided confidence for the quality of AM data ATCAM generates.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwakayode Bamiduro ◽  
Gbadebo Owolabi ◽  
Mulugeta A. Haile ◽  
Jaret C. Riddick

Purpose The continual growth of additive manufacturing has increased tremendously because of its versatility, flexibility and high customization of geometric structures. However, design hurdles are presented in understanding the relationship between the fabrication process and materials microstructure as it relates to the mechanical performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of build architecture and microstructure and the effects of load direction on the static response and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) specimens obtained via the fused deposition modeling (FDM) processing technique. Design/methodology/approach Among additive manufacturing processes, FDM is a prolific technology for manufacturing ABS. The blend of ABS combines strength, rigidity and toughness, all of which are desirable for the production of structural materials in rapid manufacturing applications. However, reported literature has varied widely on the mechanical performance due to the proprietary nature of the ABS material ratio, ultimately creating a design hurdle. While prior experimental studies have studied the mechanical response via uniaxial tension testing, this study has aimed to understand the mechanical response of ABS from the materials’ microstructural point of view. First, ABS specimen was fabricated via FDM using a defined build architecture. Next, the specimens were mechanically tested until failure. Then finally, the failure structures were microstructurally investigated. In this paper, the effects of microstructural evolution on the static mechanical response of various build architecture of ABS aimed at FDM manufacturing technique was analyzed. Findings The results show that the rastering orientation of 0/90 exhibited the highest tensile strength followed by fracture at its maximum load. However, the “45” bead direction of the ABS fibers displayed a cold-drawing behavior before rupture. The morphology analyses before and after tensile failure were characterized by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which highlighted the effects of bead geometry (layers) and areas of stress concentration such as interstitial voids in the material during build, ultimately compromising the structural integrity of the specimens. Research limitations/implications The ability to control the constituents and microstructure of a material during fabrication is significant to improving and predicting the mechanical performance of structural additive manufacturing components. In this report, the effects of microstructure on the mechanical performance of FDM-fabricated ABS materials was discussed. Further investigations are planned in understanding the effects of ambient environmental conditions (such as moisture) on the ABS material pre- and post-fabrication. Originality/value The study provides valuable experimental data for the purpose of understanding the inter-dependency between build parameters and microstructure as it relates to the specimens exemplified strength. The results highlighted in this study are fundamental to the development of optimal design of strength and complex ultra-lightweight structure efficiency.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 541-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Armillotta

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for simulating the profile of part edges as a result of the FDM process. Deviations from nominal edge shape are predicted as a function of the layer thickness and three characteristic angles depending on part geometry and build orientation. Design/methodology/approach Typical patterns of edge profiles were observed on sample FDM parts and interpreted as the effects of possible toolpath generation strategies. An algorithm was developed to generate edge profiles consistent with the patterns expected for any combination of input variables. Findings Experimental tests confirmed that the simulation procedure can correctly predict basic geometric properties of edge profiles such as frequency, amplitude and shape of periodic asperities. Research limitations/implications The algorithm takes into account only a subset of the error causes recognized in previous studies. Additional causes could be integrated in the simulation to improve the estimation of geometric errors. Practical implications Edge simulation may help avoid process choices that result in aesthetic and functional defects on FDM parts. Originality/value Compared to the statistical estimation of geometric errors, graphical simulation allows a more detailed characterization of edge quality and a better diagnosis of error causes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1593-1602
Author(s):  
Jorge Villacres ◽  
David Nobes ◽  
Cagri Ayranci

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the shape memory properties of SMP samples produced through a MEAM process. Fused deposition modeling or, as it will be referred to in this paper, material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) is a technique in which polymeric materials are extruded though a nozzle creating parts via accumulation and joining of different layers. These layers are fused together to build three-dimensional objects. Shape memory polymers (SMP) are stimulus responsive materials, which have the ability to recover their pre-programmed form after being exposed to a large strain. To induce its shape memory recovery movement, an external stimulus such as heat needs to be applied. Design/methodology/approach This project investigates and characterizes the influence of print orientation and infill percentage on shape recovery properties. The analyzed shape recovery properties are shape recovery force, shape recovery speed and time elapsed before activation. To determine whether the analyzed factors produce a significant variation on shape recovery properties, t-tests were performed with a 95% confidence factor between each analyzed level. Findings Results proved that print angle and infill percentage do have a significant impact on recovery properties of the manufactured specimens. Originality/value The manufacturing of SMP objects through a MEAM process has a vast potential for different applications; however, the shape recovery properties of these objects need to be analyzed before any practical use can be developed. These have not been studied as a function of print parameters, which is the focus of this study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 895-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Cuan-Urquizo ◽  
Mario Martínez-Magallanes ◽  
Saúl E. Crespo-Sánchez ◽  
Alfonso Gómez-Espinosa ◽  
Oscar Olvera-Silva ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the feasibility of the fabrication of circle arc curved-layered structures via conventional fused deposition modeling (FDM) with three-axis machines and to identify the main structural parameters that have an influence on their mechanical properties. Design/methodology/approach Customized G-codes were generated via a script developed in MATLAB. The G-codes contain nozzle trajectories with displacements in the three axes simultaneously. Using these, the samples were fabricated with different porosities, and their influence on the mechanical responses evaluated via tensile testing. The load-displacement curves were analyzed to understand the structure-property relationship. Findings Circled arc curved-layered structures were successfully fabricated with conventional three-axis FDM machines. The response of these curved lattice structures under tensile loads was mapped to three main stages and deformation mechanisms, namely, straightening, stretching and fracture. The micro-structure formed by the transverse filaments affect the first stage significantly and the other two minimally. The main parameters that affect the structural response were found to be the transverse filaments, as these could behave as hinges, allowing the slide/rotation of adjacent layers and making the structure more shear sensitive. Research limitations/implications This paper was restricted to arc-curved samples fabricated with conventional three-axis FDM machines. Originality/value The FDM fabrication of curved-structures with controlled porosity and their relation to the resulting mechanical properties is presented here for the first time. The study of curved-lattice structures is of great relevance in various areas, such as biomedical, architecture and aerospace.


Author(s):  
Guoying Dong ◽  
Daniel Tessier ◽  
Yaoyao Fiona Zhao

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) has enabled great application potential in several major industries. The footwear industry can customize shoe soles fabricated by AM. In this paper, lattice structures are discussed. They are used to design functional shoe soles that can have controllable stiffness. Different topologies such as Diamond, Grid, X shape, and Vintiles are used to generate conformal lattice structures that can fit the curved surface of the shoe sole. Finite element analysis is conducted to investigate stress distribution in different designs. The fused deposition modeling process is used to fabricate the designed shoe soles. Finally, compression tests compare the stiffness of shoe soles with different lattice topologies. It is found that the plantar stress is highly influenced by the lattice topology. From preliminary calculations, it has been found that the shoe sole designed with the Diamond topology can reduce the maximum stress on the foot. The Vintiles lattice structure and the X shape lattice structure are stiffer than the Diamond lattice. The Grid lattice structure buckles in the experiment and is not suitable for the design.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian N. Turner ◽  
Scott A Gold

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature related to dimensional accuracy and surface roughness for fused deposition modeling and similar extrusion-based additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping processes. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review of the literature was carried out by focusing on the relationship between process and product design parameters and the dimensional and surface properties of finished parts. Methods for evaluating these performance parameters are also reviewed. Findings – Fused deposition modeling® and related processes are the most widely used polymer rapid prototyping processes. For many applications, resolution, dimensional accuracy and surface roughness are among the most important properties in final parts. The influence of feedstock properties and system design on dimensional accuracy and resolution is reviewed. Thermal warping and shrinkage are often major sources of dimensional error in finished parts. This phenomenon is explored along with various approaches for evaluating dimensional accuracy. Product design parameters, in particular, slice height, strongly impact surface roughness. A geometric model for surface roughness is also reviewed. Originality/value – This represents the first review of extrusion AM processes focusing on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. Understanding and improving relationships between materials, design parameters and the ultimate properties of finished parts will be key to improving extrusion AM processes and expanding their applications.


Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amabel García-Domínguez ◽  
Juan Claver ◽  
Ana María Camacho ◽  
Miguel A. Sebastián

The lack of specific standards for characterization of materials manufactured by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) makes the assessment of the applicability of the test methods available and the analysis of their limitations necessary; depending on the definition of the most appropriate specimens on the kind of part we want to produce or the purpose of the data we want to obtain from the tests. In this work, the Spanish standard UNE 116005:2012 and international standard ASTM D638–14:2014 have been used to characterize mechanically FDM samples with solid infill considering two build orientations. Tests performed according to the specific standard for additive manufacturing UNE 116005:2012 present a much better repeatability than the ones according to the general test standard ASTM D638–14, which makes the standard UNE more appropriate for comparison of different materials. Orientation on-edge provides higher strength to the parts obtained by FDM, which is coherent with the arrangement of the filaments in each layer for each orientation. Comparison with non-solid specimens shows that the increase of strength due to the infill is not in the same proportion to the percentage of infill. The values of strain to break for the samples with solid infill presents a much higher deformation before fracture.


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