Published

2016-09-01

Investigating the influence of infill percentage on the mechanical properties of fused deposition modelled ABS parts

Investigando la influencia del porcentaje de relleno en las propiedades mecánicas, de elementos impresos con ABS por el método de modelado por deposición fundida

Keywords:

3D printing, mechanical properties, FDM process, ABS, makerbot replicator 2X (en)
Impresión 3D, propiedades mecánicas, proceso FDM, ABS, Makerbot Replicator 2X (es)

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Authors

  • Kenny Álvarez Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.
  • Rodrigo F. Lagos Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.
  • Miguel Aizpun Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile.

3D printing is a manufacturing process that is usually used for modeling and prototyping. One of the most popular printing techniques is fused deposition modeling (FDM), which is based on adding melted material layer by layer. Although FDM has several advantages with respect to other manufacturing materials, there are several problems that have to be faced. When setting the printing options, several parameters have to be taken into account, such as temperature, speed, infill percentage, etc. Selecting these parameters is often a great challenge for the user, and is generally solved by experience without considering the influence of variations in the parameters on the mechanical properties of the printed parts.This article analyzes the influence of the infill percentage on the mechanical properties of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) printed parts. In order to characterize this influence, test specimens for tensile strength and Charpy tests were printed with a Makerbot Replicator 2X printer, in which the infill percentage was varied but the rest of the printing parameters were kept constant. Three different results were analyzed for these tests: tensile strength, impact resistance, and effective printing time. Results showed that the maximum tensile force (1438N) and tensile stress (34,57MPa) were obtained by using 100% infill. The maximum impact resistance, 1,55J, was also obtained with 100% infill. In terms of effective printing time, results showed that printing with an infill range between 50% and 98% is not recommended, since the effective printing time is higher than with a 100% infill and the tensile strength and impact resistance are smaller. In addition, in comparing the results of our analysis with results from other authors, it can be concluded that the printer type and plastic roll significantly influence the mechanical properties of ABS parts.

La impresión 3D es un proceso de manufactura que se basa en la fabricación de prototipos, partes y piezas funcionales. Existen diferentes métodos, en los cuales se utilizan distintos materiales en diversos formatos. Uno de los métodos más utilizados es el modelado por deposición fundida (FDM). A pesar de las ventajas que posee con respecto a otros procesos de fabricación, la impresión 3D no está libre de dificultades o problemas. Al momento de configurar una impresión, se deben ingresar parámetros para cada una de las variables presentes en el proceso, como por ejemplo: temperatura, velocidad, porcentaje de relleno, etc. La elección de dichos parámetros muchas veces resulta ser un problema para el operador, y generalmente se realiza en función de su experiencia, sin considerar la influencia que estos parámetros tendrán en las propiedades mecánicas del elemento terminado. Este trabajo analiza la influencia del porcentaje de relleno en la resistencia mecánica de piezas fabricadas en ABS (Acrilonitrilo Butadieno Estireno). Para ello, se imprimieron probetas para ensayo de tracción y Charpy, variando el porcentaje de relleno, y manteniendo los demás parámetros constantes. Seguido de esto, se ensayaron las probetas para obtener los valores de resistencia a la tracción y resistencia al impacto. Esto se realizó con una impresora Makerbot Replicator 2X. Además, se analizó el tiempo efectivo de impresión para conocer la variabilidad de este parámetro al modificar el porcentaje de relleno.Este estudio permitió determinar la fuerza resistente máxima que se obtuvo con un porcentaje de relleno de 100%, fue de 1438N, con una resistencia de 34,57MPa. La máxima resistencia al impacto se obtuvo también con 100% de relleno fue de 1,55J. En cuanto al tiempo de impresión, los resultados son bastante interesantes, ya que se logró identificar que en el intervalo de 50 a 98% de relleno no es conveniente imprimir, ya que el tiempo de impresión es mayor que con 100%, y la resistencia a la tracción y al impacto son menores, por lo que no se justifica efectuar impresiones en ese rango de porcentaje de relleno.

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Copyright (c) 2016 Kenny Álvarez, Rodrigo F. Lagos, Miguel Aizpun

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