Jorge Villacres, David Nobes and Cagri Ayranci
The purpose of this paper is to study the shape memory properties of SMP samples produced through a MEAM process. Fused deposition modeling or, as it will be referred to in this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the shape memory properties of SMP samples produced through a MEAM process. Fused deposition modeling or, as it will be referred to in this paper, material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) is a technique in which polymeric materials are extruded though a nozzle creating parts via accumulation and joining of different layers. These layers are fused together to build three-dimensional objects. Shape memory polymers (SMP) are stimulus responsive materials, which have the ability to recover their pre-programmed form after being exposed to a large strain. To induce its shape memory recovery movement, an external stimulus such as heat needs to be applied.
Design/methodology/approach
This project investigates and characterizes the influence of print orientation and infill percentage on shape recovery properties. The analyzed shape recovery properties are shape recovery force, shape recovery speed and time elapsed before activation. To determine whether the analyzed factors produce a significant variation on shape recovery properties, t-tests were performed with a 95% confidence factor between each analyzed level.
Findings
Results proved that print angle and infill percentage do have a significant impact on recovery properties of the manufactured specimens.
Originality/value
The manufacturing of SMP objects through a MEAM process has a vast potential for different applications; however, the shape recovery properties of these objects need to be analyzed before any practical use can be developed. These have not been studied as a function of print parameters, which is the focus of this study.
Details
Keywords
Jorge Villacres, David Nobes and Cagri Ayranci
Material extrusion additive manufacturing, also known as fused deposition modeling, is a manufacturing technique in which objects are built by depositing molten materials…
Abstract
Purpose
Material extrusion additive manufacturing, also known as fused deposition modeling, is a manufacturing technique in which objects are built by depositing molten materials layer-by-layer through a nozzle. The use and application of this technique has risen dramatically over the past decade. This paper aims to first, report on the production and characterization of a shape memory polymer material filament that was manufactured to print shape memory polymer objects using material extrusion additive manufacturing. Additionally, it aims to investigate and outline the effects of major printing parameters, such as print orientation and infill percentage, on the elastic and mechanical properties of printed shape memory polymer samples.
Design/methodology/approach
Infill percentage was tested at three levels, 50, 75 and 100 per cent, while print orientation was tested at four different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the specimens at 0°, 30°, 60° and 90°. The properties examined were elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength and maximum strain.
Findings
Results showed that print angle and infill percentage do have a significant impact on the manufactured test samples.
Originality/value
Findings can significantly influence the tailored design and manufacturing of smart structures using shape memory polymer and material extrusion additive manufacturing.