EFFECT OF PRINTING PARAMETERS AND POST-CURING ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PHOTOPOLYMER PARTS FABRICATED VIA 3D STEREOLITHOGRAPHY PRINTING

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing has recently come into the spotlight due to its promising potential to create physically three-dimensional parts or structures through computer-aided design. While there are many options for 3D printing methods, photopolymerization 3D printing has garnered much attention because of its high resolution. However, the mechanical properties of photopolymerized 3D printed parts can vary widely depending on the manufacturing parameters and post-processing settings used. This research focuses on studying the effect of printing variables on the mechanical properties of samples printed using a Stereolithography machine (Formlabs, Form+3). Three variables are used: layer thickness (25 and 50 ?m), part orientation (X and Z directions), and post-curing. Also, eight groups of 3D-printed photopolymer specimens for twenty-four specimens are used for the tensile test results. The results showed the printing variables affected the mechanical properties of samples, which were proven by Young's modulus, ultimate stress, and ultimate strain. ABSTRAK: Pencetakan tiga dimensi baru-baru ini menjadi perhatian kerana potensinya yang menjanjikan bagi mencipta bahagian atau struktur tiga dimensi secara fizikal melalui reka bentuk bantuan komputer. Walaupun terdapat banyak pilihan bagi kaedah percetakan 3D, pencetakan 3D fotopolimerisasi telah mendapat banyak perhatian kerana resolusinya yang tinggi. Walau bagaimanapun, sifat mekanikal bahagian bercetak 3D fotopolimer adalah pelbagai bergantung pada parameter pembuatan dan tetapan pasca pemprosesan yang digunakan. Kajian ini memberi tumpuan kepada kesan pembolehubah cetakan terhadap sifat mekanikal sampel yang dicetak menggunakan mesin Stereolitografi (Formlabs, Form+3). Tiga pembolehubah digunakan: ketebalan lapisan (25 dan 50 ?m), orientasi bahagian (arah X dan Z), dan pasca pengawetan. Juga, lapan kumpulan spesimen fotopolimer cetakan 3D untuk dua puluh empat spesimen digunakan bagi mendapatkan keputusan ujian tegangan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan pembolehubah cetakan mempengaruhi sifat mekanikal sampel, dibuktikan oleh modulus Young, tegangan utama, dan tarikan utama.