MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF 3D-PRINTED SPECIMENS BASED ON PRINTING ORIENTATION

Abstract

A PA12 nylon material blended and reinforced with chopped carbon fibers was prepared as tensile test specimens. Experimentation was performed to investigate what effects the angle (0o, 45o, or 90o) that the material is laid down in when printing has on the mechanical properties of the printed specimens. It was determined that of the three angles investigated, a 0-degree lay down angle to the longitudinal axis results in the stiffest mechanical properties, but can withstand the least strain at fracture. The 90-degree pattern results in the least stiff results, and can withstand more strain than the 0-degree specimen. The 45-degree specimen showed intermediate stiffness and the largest strain at fracture. Microscopy performed on the specimens revealed that the chopped fibers appeared to be randomly organized throughout the specimens.