Fatigue Characterization of 3D Printed Elastomer Material

The Objet PolyJet 3D Printing process provides the ability to print graded materials featuring both stiff and elastomeric polymers. This capability allows for a variety of new design possibilities for additive manufacturing such as living hinges, shock absorbing casings, and integrated gaskets. Such design features typically rely upon the ability of traditional elastomers to experience large and repeated strains without permanent deformation or damage. However, voids and other flaws inherent to many Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes can have a significant negative impact on the fatigue life of elastomeric AM materials. In this paper, the authors seek to fill a gap in the literature by characterizing the fatigue life of a direct 3D printed elastomer, and the multi-material interface. Based on the results, the authors offer advice for improving fatigue life of printed elastomeric components.

[1]  Omer Van der Biest,et al.  Wire based additive layer manufacturing: Comparison of microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V components fabricated by laser-beam deposition and shaped metal deposition , 2011 .

[2]  P. B. Lindley,et al.  The mechanical fatigue limit for rubber , 1965 .

[3]  P. B. Lindley,et al.  Cut growth and fatigue of rubbers. II. Experiments on a noncrystallizing rubber , 1964 .

[4]  A. Kęsy,et al.  Mechanical properties of parts produced by using polymer jetting technology , 2010 .

[5]  David W. Rosen,et al.  Additive Manufacturing Technologies: Rapid Prototyping to Direct Digital Manufacturing , 2009 .

[6]  K. Osakada,et al.  MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PURE TITANIUM MODELS PROCESSED BY SELECTIVE LASER MELTING , 2002 .

[7]  Alan N. Gent,et al.  Cut growth and fatigue of rubbers. I. The relationship between cut growth and fatigue , 1965 .

[8]  Johannes Wortberg,et al.  Influence of surface characteristics on fatigue behaviour of laser sintered plastics , 2012 .

[9]  Christopher B. Williams,et al.  EXAMINING VARIABILITY IN THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PARTS MANUFACTURED VIA POLYJET DIRECT 3 D PRINTING , 2012 .

[10]  Pero Raos,et al.  Experimental analysis of properties of materials for rapid prototyping , 2009 .

[11]  E. Brandl,et al.  Additive manufactured AlSi10Mg samples using Selective Laser Melting (SLM): Microstructure, high cycle fatigue, and fracture behavior , 2012 .

[12]  David B. Dooner,et al.  Mechanical Design of Machine Elements and Machines: A Failure Prevention Perspective , 2002 .

[13]  Fude Wang.  Mechanical property study on rapid additive layer manufacture Hastelloy® X alloy by selective laser melting technology , 2012 .

[14]  Ian Gibson,et al.  Design rules for additive manufacture , 2010 .