An Investigation into Additive Manufacturing Material Tensile Properties for Different Build Orientations of Parts

Whilst Additive Manufacturing (AM) has evolved to offer a wider choice of materials, there is little in literature regarding the detailed mechanical properties of these materials. This research focuses on one of the stronger materials, a clear UV curable photopolymer resin used in a Steoreolithography (SLA) machine. A main issue for desktop small printers is the build angle, which is often crucial to the outcome of the artefact being of acceptable structural quality. Incorrect orientation of the artefact can often end in reduced strength of the part. However, there is uncertainty on the how the build orientation influences tensile strength properties. Standard tensile specimens will be produced at three different build orientations (horizontal, 45 degrees to the horizontal and vertical) and the tensile strengths will be determined. In addition to the tensile test specimens, beam sections will also be tested to review the flexural strengths and compare these to the tensile testing results. The paper will review the distribution, levels of variance and consistency of results and their comparison with the stated tensile strength properties by the material supplier and validity through finite element analysis technique.