Tailoring mechanical properties of PμSL 3D-printed structures via size effect

Abstract

Highlights Projection micro stereolithography (PμSL)-printed microfibers with diameters ranging from 20 μm to 60 μm shows size-dependent mechanical behavior. When diameter of microfibers decreases to 20 μm, their fracture strains increase up to ∼100% and fracture strength up to ∼100 MPa. The size-dependent behavior of 3D-printed polymer can be mainly attributed to the surface effect and nonuniform distribution of defects. Strength and stiffness of PμSL-printed microlattices can be therefore tailored over a broad range by utilized the microfiber size effect.