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are printed using the two suitable materials – the silicone and the fabepoxy. Variation
in their shapes and sizes gives an idea of the limitations, problems which may crop
up during printing. Some test samples are shown below in Fig 3.8
Fig 3.8 Test samples printed with silicon and fabepoxy
3.6.1 Printing Flat and curved layer parts for testing
To print the flat and curved layer parts, a thin shell-like part shown in Fig.3.9 is
selected. This requires a support structure to be printed as the shape chosen for the
main part has a curvature in the middle beneath which is a hollow semi circular area.
If we were to print this part straight without the support, when the deposition tool
raises in Z axis to meet the curvature required for the model, the material coming out
from the nozzle would hit the deposition table straight and so the desired shape
cannot be produced. The main part remains the same for both flat and curved layer
deposition as these two methods of printing, their differences in properties and
strength are to be compared. The shape being the same, the support structure for
the main part is the same and can be printed in either flat or curved layer style
printing as desired. The main dimensions is 50mm L x 20mm W x 8mm H.
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