Supports effect on tensile strength of the stereolithography parts

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of the supports on tensile strength (TS) of stereolithography (SL) parts. Design/methodology/approach - The shape of specimens (tensile specimens) is according to the American Society Testing and Materials (ASTM) D638 standard. Some parts have support trace on one side and some have support trace on both sides. To achieve this target, some parts are fabricated on other parts; therefore, support of the upper part is fabricated on upper face of lower part. Findings - Influences of supports traces on mechanical properties aren't "zero". Supports affect TS of SL parts by affecting surface roughness of parts. After experimentation and analyzing experimental results, it is concluded that the TS of the parts which have support on both sides is slightly lower than the parts which have support just on one side. Originality/value - This is the first attempt toward investigation of supports effects on the mechanical properties in SL parts.