Thesis
3D printing of soft materials with suitable support material for overhang structures
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2017
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/101968
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) of soft-materials is still challenging due to their low modulus of elasticity and curing properties. In this study, we chose one-part cure Room Temperature Vulcanization (RTV) silicone. Due to its versatile nature, silicones have been widely used in automobile, construction, medical, electrical and some household applications. Current methodology of 3D printing silicone is by material jetting process and material extrusion based process. However, printing overhang structures is still challenging through material extrusion based process. In this study, we present a novel approach for printing silicone based on material extrusion process with a suitable support material for printing parts with overhang structures. A commercialized 3D printer “Lulzbot TAZ5”; it is modified to test and conduct experiments. Printing parameters are identified for printing silicone with support structure, suitable support material is identified and adhesion strength between the support material and silicone is analyzed, and the results are presented. In addition, maximum overhang angle is identified and using COMSOL, we predicted the deflection of the overhang part partly even though the angle of the overhang part is within the threshold of the overhang angle.
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Details
- Title
- 3D printing of soft materials with suitable support material for overhang structures
- Creators
- Mohan Kumar Muthusamy
- Contributors
- Roland Chen (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Mechanical and Materials Engineering, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525012301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis