Thermo-mechanic tests using 3d printed elements

3D printing is an innovative technology that allows for rapid prototyping of designs and models. The use of different printing methods and materials used allows the creation of both functional objects of real size and scale models. These features make 3D printing its application in virtually all fields of science and industry, allowing for faster design while reducing costs, compared to traditional prototyping techniques. Incremental methods enable quick and economical creation of conceptual and functional models of prototypes composed of several components. There are many methods of FDM, CJP, SLA, SLS, DLP, MJM, DMS. On the basis of the printout, you can create a model that does not differ in appearance from the mass produced. Through this technique, you can create metallized, rubberized, transparent surfaces, brought to an ideal gloss or matt, also having different colors depending on the material used (filament), the material from which the model is made. This article presents the application of printed elements using the FDM method in a research stand for PIV measurements. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.