Enhancing tensile properties of polymer‐based triply periodic minimal surface metamaterial structures: Investigating the impact of post‐curing time and layer thickness via response surface methodology

Abstract

This research aims to explore the influence of post‐curing time and layer thickness on the tensile characteristics of various triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures produced by mask stereolithography (MSLA). The study determined the best post‐curing duration, layer thickness, and TPMS lattice type to improve ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and absorbed energy. To experimentally evaluate the tensile characteristics, a dog bone‐shaped specimen was utilized. Three distinct TPMS structures, Gyroid (G), Neovius (N), and Diamond (D), were present in the test region. After investigating many process factors with response surface methodology (RSM), optimization methods are applied to find their best printing procedure. The work shows the novel use of RSM to optimize post‐curing and printing parameters on TPMS structure mechanical properties during manufacturing. According to the optimization results, the biggest factor affecting UTS is layer thickness, while the most significant factor increasing energy is curing time. The optimal operating parameters for MSLA printing based on the optimization results are a layer thickness of 0.05 mm, a post‐curing period of 40 min, and a lattice type of N. The optimum responses corresponding to the optimum parameters were determined as 7.16 MPa for UTS and 18.16 J for energy.Highlights Optimized the production process parameters of TPMS geometries. Compared TPMS structures for mechanical performance. Identified optimal input parameters to improve UTS and energy absorption. Conducted comprehensive experimental evaluations to validate the optimization.