Exploring variability in material properties of multi-material jetting parts

Abstract

With Additive Manufacturing (AM) capabilities rapidly expanding in industrial applications, there exists a need to quantify materials' mechanical properties to ensure reliable performance that is robust to variations in environment and build orientation. While prior research has examined process-parameter and environmental effects for AM processes such as extrusion, vat photopolymerization, and powder bed fusion, existing similar research on the material jetting process is limited. Focusing on polypropylene-like (VeroWhitePlus) and elastomer-like (TangoBlackPlus) materials, the authors first characterize the anisotropic properties of six different gradients produced from mixing the two materials in preset quantities. Three build orientations were used to fabricate parts and analyze tensile stress, modulus of elasticity, and elongation at break for each material. The authors also present results from an investigation of how aging of parts in different lighting conditions affects material properties. The results from these experiments provide an enhanced understanding of the material behaviors relating to material jetting process parameters and can inform material selection when manufacturing load-bearing parts.