Fracture assessment of polycarbonate parts produced by fused deposition modeling in the out-of-plane printing direction – effect of raster angle

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman Sedighi ◽  
Majid R. Ayatollahi ◽  
Bahador Bahrami ◽  
Marco A. Pérez-Martínez ◽  
Andrés A. Garcia-Granada

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the Mode I fracture behavior of polycarbonate (PC) parts produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The focus of this study is on samples printed along the out-of-plane direction with different raster angles. Design/methodology/approach Tensile and Mode I fracture tests were conducted. Semi-circular bend specimens were used for the fracture tests, which were printed in four different raster patterns of (0/90), (15/−75) (30/−60) and (45/−45). Moreover, the finite element method (FEM) was used to determine the applicability of linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) for the printed PC parts. The fracture toughness results, as well as the fracture path and the fracture surfaces, were studied to describe the fracture behavior of the samples. Findings Finite element results confirm that the use of LEFM is allowed for the tested PC samples. The fracture toughness results show that changing the direction of the printed rasters can have an effect of up to 50% on the fracture toughness of the printed parts, with the (+45/−45) and (0/90) orientations having the highest and lowest resistance to crack propagation, respectively. Moreover, except for the (0/90) orientation, the other samples have higher crack resistance compared to the bulk material. The fracture toughness of the tested PC depends more on the toughness of the printed sample, rather than its tensile strength. Originality/value The toughness and the energy absorption capability of the printed samples (with different raster patterns) were identified as the main properties affecting the fracture toughness of the AM PC parts. Because the fracture resistance of almost all the samples was higher than that of the base material, it is evident that by choosing the right raster patterns for 3D-printed parts, very high resistance to crack growth may be obtained. Also, using FEM and comparing the size of the plastic zones, it was concluded that, although the tensile curves show nonlinearity, LEFM is still applicable for the printed parts.

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman Sedighi ◽  
Majid R. Ayatollahi ◽  
Bahador Bahrami ◽  
Marco A. Pérez-Martínez ◽  
Andres A. Garcia-Granada

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of layer orientation on the tensile, flexural and fracture behavior of additively manufactured (AM) polycarbonate (PC) produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM). Design/methodology/approach An experimental approach is undertaken and a total number of 48 tests are conducted. Two types of tensile specimens are used and their mechanical behavior and fracture surfaces are studied. Also, circular parts with different layer orientations are printed and two semi-circular bending (SCB) samples are extracted from each part. Finally, the results of samples with different build directions are compared to one another to better understand the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured PC. Findings The results demonstrate anisotropy in the tensile, flexural and fracture behavior of the additively manufactured PC parts with the latter being less anisotropic compared to the first two. It is also demonstrated that the anisotropy of the elastic modulus is small and can be neglected. Tensile strength ranges from 40 MPa to 53 MPa. At the end, mode I fracture toughness prediction curves are provided for different directions of the FDM samples. Fracture toughness ranges from 1.93 to 2.37 MPa.mm1/2. Originality/value The SCB specimen, a very suitable geometry for characterizing anisotropic materials, was used to characterize FDM parts for the first time. Also, the fracture properties of the AM PC have not been studied by the researchers in the past. Therefore, fracture toughness prediction curves are presented for this anisotropic material. These curves can be very suitable for designing parts that are going to be produced by 3D printing. Moreover, the effect of the area to perimeter ratio on the tensile properties of the printed parts is investigated.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 804-810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiqing Cao ◽  
Dandan Yu ◽  
Weilan Xue ◽  
Zuoxiang Zeng ◽  
Wanyu Zhu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to prepare a new modified polybutylene terephalate (MPBT) for fused deposition modeling (FDM) to increase the variety of materials compatible with printing. And the printing materials can be used to print components with a complex structure and functional mechanical parts. Design/methodology/approach The MPBT, poly(butylene terephalate-co-isophthalate-co-sebacate) (PBTIS), was prepared for FDM by direct esterification and subsequent polycondensation using terephthalic acid (PTA), isophthalic acid (PIA), sebacic acid (SA) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO). The effects of the content of PIA (20-40 mol%) on the mechanical properties of PBTIS were investigated when the mole per cent of SA (αSA) is zero. The effects of αSA (0-7mol%) on the thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of PBTIS were investigated at nPTA/nPIA = 7/3. A desktop wire drawing and extruding machine was used to fabricate the filaments, whose printability and anisotropy were tested by three-dimensional (3D) printing experiments. Findings A candidate content of PIA introducing into PBT was obtained to be about 30 per cent, and the Izod notched impact strength of PBTIS increased with the increase of αSA. The results showed that the PBTIS (nPTA/nPIA = 7/3, αSA = 3-5mol%) is suitable for FDM. Originality/value New printing materials with good Izod notched impact strength were obtained by introducing PIA and SA (nPTA/nPIA = 7/3, αSA = 3-5 mol%) into PBT and their anisotropy are better than that of ABS.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 875-887
Author(s):  
Elnaz Asadollahi-Yazdi ◽  
Julien Gardan ◽  
Pascal Lafon

Purpose This paper aims to provide a multi-objective optimization problem in design for manufacturing (DFM) approach for fused deposition modeling (FDM). This method considers the manufacturing criteria and constraints during the design by selecting the best manufacturing parameters to guide the designer and manufacturer in fabrication with FDM. Design/methodology/approach Topological optimization and bi-objective optimization problems are suggested to complete the DFM approach for design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) to define a product. Topological optimization allows the shape improvement of the product through a material distribution for weight gain based on the desired mechanical behavior. The bi-objective optimization problem plays an important role to evaluate the manufacturability by quantification and optimization of the manufacturing criteria and constraint simultaneously. Actually, it optimizes the production time, required material regarding surface quality and mechanical properties of the product because of two significant parameters as layer thickness and part orientation. Findings A comprehensive analysis of the existing DFAM approaches illustrates that these approaches are not developed sufficiently in terms of manufacturability evaluation in quantification and optimization levels. There is no approach that investigates the AM criteria and constraints simultaneously. It is necessary to provide a decision-making tool for the designers and manufacturers to lead to better design and manufacturing regarding the different AM characteristics. Practical implications To assess the efficiency of this approach, a wheel spindle is considered as a case study which shows how this method is capable to find the best design and manufacturing solutions. Originality/value A multi-criteria decision-making approach as the main contribution is developed to analyze FDM technology and its attributes, criteria and drawbacks. It completes the DFAM approach for FDM through a bi-objective optimization problem which deals with finding the best manufacturing parameters by optimizing production time and material mass because of the product mechanical properties and surface roughness.


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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 869-880 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Guo Zhou ◽  
Bei Su ◽  
Lih-sheng Turng

Purpose Although the feasibility and effectiveness of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method have been proposed and developed, studies of applying this technology to various materials are still needed for researching its applicability, especially with regard to polymer blends and composites. The purpose of this paper is to study the deposition-induced effect and the effect of compatibilizers on the mechanical properties of polypropylene and polycarbonate (PP/PC) composites. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, three different deposition modes for PP/PC composites with or without compatibilizers were used for the FDM method and tested for tensile properties. Also, parts with the same materials were made by injection molding and used for comparison. In addition, different deposition speeds were used to investigate the different deposition-induced effects. Furthermore, the behavior of the mechanical properties was clarified with scanning electron microscope images of the fracture surfaces. Findings The research results suggest that the deposition orientation has a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of PP/PC composite FDM parts. The results also indicate that there is a close relationship between the mechanical properties and morphological structures which are deeply influenced by compatibilization. Compared with injection molded parts, the ductility of the FDM parts can be dramatically improved due to the formation of fibrils and micro-fibrils by the deposition induced during processing. Originality/value This is the first paper to investigate a PP/PC composite FDM process. The results of this paper verified the applicability of PP/PC composites to FDM technology. It is also the first time that the deposition-induced effect during FDM has been investigated and studied.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1079-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Armillotta ◽  
Marco Cavallaro

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the problem of the geometric accuracy of edges in parts manufactured by the Fused Deposition Modeling process, as a preliminary step for an experimental investigation. Methodology/approach Three geometric variables (inclination, included and incidence angles) were defined for an edge. The influence of each variable on the geometric errors was explained with reference to specific causes related to physical phenomena and process constraints. Findings Occurrence conditions for all causes were determined and visualized in a process map, which was also developed into a software procedure for the diagnosis of quality issues on digital models of the parts. Research limitations/implications The process map was developed by only empirical considerations and does not allow to predict the amount of geometric errors. In the second part of the paper, experimental tests will help to extend and validate the prediction criteria. Practical implications As demonstrated by an example, the results allow to predict the occurrence of visible defects on the edges of a part before manufacturing it with a given build orientation. Originality/value In literature, the geometric accuracy of additively manufactured parts is only related to surface features. The paper shows that the quality of edges depends on additional variables and causes to be carefully controlled by process choices.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 973-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanxiong Xia ◽  
Jiacai Lu ◽  
Gretar Tryggvason

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to continue to describe the development of a comprehensive methodology for fully resolved numerical simulations of fused deposition modeling. Design/methodology/approach A front-tracking/finite volume method introduced in Part I to simulate the heat transfer and fluid dynamics of the deposition of a polymer filament on a fixed bed is extended by adding an improved model for the injection nozzle, including the shrinkage of the polymer as it cools down, and accounting for stresses in the solid. Findings The accuracy and convergence properties of the new method are tested by grid refinement, and the method is shown to produce convergent solutions for the shape of the filament, the temperature distribution, the shrinkage and the solid stresses. Research limitations/implications The method presented in the paper focuses on modeling the fluid flow, the cooling and solidification and volume changes and residual stresses, using a relatively simple viscoelastic constitutive model. More complex material models, depending, for example, on the evolution of the conformation tensor, are not included. Practical implications The ability to carry out fully resolved numerical simulations of the fused deposition process is expected to be critical for the validation of mathematical models for the material behavior, to help explore new deposition strategies and to provide the “ground truth” for the development of reduced-order models. Originality/value The paper completes describing the development of the first numerical method for fully resolved simulation of fused filament modeling.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung-Han Yang ◽  
Kwang-Il Lee

Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve the accuracy of a fused deposition modeling three-dimensional (3D) printer by identifying and compensating for position-independent geometric errors using a face-diagonal length test featuring a designed artifact and a Vernier caliper. Design/methodology/approach An artifact that does not require support when printing was designed and printed to allow performance of the face-diagonal length test. A Vernier caliper was used to measure the lengths of diagonals in the XY, YZ and ZX planes of the printed artifact specimen; this completed the face-diagonal length test. The relationships between position-independent geometric errors of the linear axes X, Y and Z and the measured diagonal lengths of the three planes were determined to identify geometric errors. Findings The approach was applied to a commercial fused deposition modeling 3D printer, and three position-independent geometric errors were rapidly identified. The artifact was re-printed after model-based compensation for these errors and the diagonal lengths were re-measured. The results were verified via coordinate measuring machine measurement of a simple test piece without and with model-based compensation for identified geometric errors. Furthermore, the proposed approach was applied to a commercial 3D printer. Research limitations/implications The measured diagonal lengths of the printed artifacts varied greatly. Thus, further studies should investigate the effects of printing materials and parameters on the length discrepancies of 3D printed artifacts. Practical implications A software-based compensation of identified position-independent geometric errors has to be used at commercial 3D printers for accuracy improvements of printed parts. Originality/value Thus, the approach is of practical utility; it can be periodically used to identify position-independent geometric errors and ensure that the 3D printer is consistently accurate.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Coogan ◽  
David Owen Kazmer

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors governing bond strength in fused deposition modeling (FDM) compared to strength in the fiber direction. Design/methodology/approach Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) boxes with the thickness of a single fiber were made at different platform and nozzle temperatures, print speeds, fiber widths and layer heights to produce multiple specimens for measuring the strength. Findings Specimens produced with the fibers oriented in the tensile direction had 95 per cent of the strength of the constitutive filament. Bond strengths ranged from 40 to 85 per cent of the filament strength dependent on the FDM processing conditions. Diffusion, wetting and intimate contact all separately affect bond strength. Practical implications This study provides processing recommendations for producing the strongest FDM parts. The needs for higher nozzle temperatures and more robust feed motors are described; these recommendations can be useful for companies producing FDM products as well as companies designing FDM printers. Originality/value This is the first study that discusses wetting and intimate contact separately in FDM, and the results suggest that a fundamental, non-empirical model for predicting FDM bond strength can be developed based on healing models. Additionally, the role of equilibration time at the start of extrusion as well as a motor torque limitation while trying to print at high speeds are described.


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