Construct3D 2017

Engineering design integrity is dependent on the elastic properties of the materials used. Reliable measurements of the elastic properties is crucial to develop a prototype of a functioning model of the design. Young’s modulus is a mechanical property that can determine the stiffness of an elastic object. It is a crucial property that can determine the strength of materials and how they react to tension and compression. The infill density, infill patterns, and nozzle diameter can affect Young’s modulus since they change the amount of material that is printed in an object and how porous it will be. As the infill density in a print increases the material approaches the properties of a cast object with the same material. Moreover, the young’s modulus can also be affected by the slicer because all slicers do not accomplish the additive process for the same infill density and infill pattern identically. Therefore, the elastic properties will tend to change with the machine for the same infill density and fill pattern. In this research three commonly used thermoplastics: PLA, ABS, and Nylon Bridge are used. Cylinders of different fill patterns and fill densities were printed in three different 3-D printers and they are compared.

After determining the varying Young’s modulus of these three filaments, the next challenge is to create a single object that has multiple infill densities or patterns as required in a prototype. The applications for this in engineering is vital for enhancing the structural integrity of 3D-printed objects like impact resistant helmets. Most 3D printers today do not have the generic ability to print a single object with multiple infill densities or patterns. In addition to the availability of Simplify3D which is viable for some machines, it is possible to bypass the slicing software tied with the printer to potentially create an object that varies in its infill across its component parts. This research also tests this innovative mechanism of printing with multiple infill densities in the design of impact resistant helmets for sports.