UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015
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Nicola Reed<br />
BEng Aerospace <strong>Engineering</strong> (Manufacturing)<br />
Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufacturing<br />
Materials<br />
Additive Manufacturing (also known as AM) is a layering fabrication process which uses many different materials to build a wide variety of products across<br />
many industries. This project will investigate the theory and practise of using fibres (glass and carbon fibre) to reinforce structures printed using AM methods.<br />
Additive Manufacturing has quickly emerged as a technology of the future. The ability to ‘print’ objects layer by layer has become a fabrication method which<br />
60% of businesses (within the engineering and design sectors) are currently utilising (Hammond, 2014). It is because of this that this project investigates<br />
whether it is possible to produce fibrous printed structures by using additive manufacturing methods, thus increasing the market for these machines. With AM<br />
manufacturing technologies becoming more common within businesses and the home, increased resources are being invested in the research and<br />
development of 3D printers to ensure that the technology continues to progress and become accessible and affordable for all.<br />
Project Supervisor<br />
Dr David Richardson<br />
Project summary<br />
This project investigates whether the addition<br />
of fiber reinforcement affects the mechanical<br />
properties of an additively manufactured<br />
structure, also whether the build orientation<br />
of a 3D printed sample affects these key<br />
properties.<br />
Research<br />
Thorough research was carried out into all aspects of 3D printing and a<br />
comprehensive literature review was written. It was at this point in the<br />
project it was decided that it would not be possible to combine the fibrous<br />
reinforcement with the 3D printing filament. This was due to the logistics of<br />
combining them in an evenly dispersed way. The machine being used for this<br />
investigation utilizes the Fused Deposition Modelling method, the fibers may<br />
also have caused issue with ‘pulling out’ of the matrix polymer material;<br />
another reason why this was not feasible within this investigation.<br />
At this point in the project it was decided that Epoxy resin samples would be<br />
manufactured, and the fibers added to the mixture – these would then be<br />
tested to determine the affect on the Mechanical properties of the<br />
additional reinforcement.<br />
It was also decided that different build orientations would be investigated<br />
and samples be tested to determine whether this parameter affects the<br />
properties of the printed sample. The below diagram shows the FDM<br />
machine used for this investigation.<br />
Method<br />
Using the relevant ISO a test plan was created, CAD model drawn and .STL file<br />
sent to the technicians to be printed. Following the successful manufacture of<br />
the samples in each build direction they were then received for testing. The<br />
machine used for testing can be seen below.<br />
Each sample was measured and tested.<br />
(this included the samples<br />
manufactured from Epoxy resin).<br />
The results of the testing concluded<br />
that the addition of the fibers improved<br />
the Mechanical properties (Young’s<br />
Modulus and Yield Strength) of the<br />
samples. It can also be concluded that<br />
the build direction does also affect the<br />
Mechanical properties of a sample.<br />
Further testing needs to be carried out<br />
to determine whether it is<br />
possible to combine the 3D printed<br />
Polymer material with the fibrous<br />
reinforcement.<br />
Project Objectives<br />
• Investigate how reinforcement can affect<br />
Epoxy mold samples<br />
• Deign and manufacture test samples to be<br />
printed on an Additive Manufacturing<br />
machine<br />
• Investigate the logistics of the addition of<br />
fiber reinforcement to 3D printer polymer<br />
material<br />
• Research the effect of the build orientation<br />
on the Mechanical properties of 3D printed<br />
materials<br />
• Tensile test the manufactured samples and<br />
record the resultant Mechanical properties<br />
Project Conclusion<br />
The addition of fibers to the epoxy samples<br />
increased both the Yield Strength and the<br />
Young’s Modulus. From this it can be<br />
concluded that the addition of fibers to a 3D<br />
printed polymer material would therefore<br />
enhance the Mechanical properties of an<br />
Additively Manufactured printed sample. It<br />
can also be concluded that the build<br />
orientation does affect the Mechanical<br />
properties of a 3D printed sample.
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