The compression performance of 3D-printed X structures

Abstract

To enhance the compressive properties of lattice structures, this paper proposes a fused deposition method of three-dimensional (3D) printing to prepare lattice structures and investigate the effect of different printing and structural parameters on structural compression performance. Based on compression tests, vertically printed X structures with a filling angle perpendicular to the strut length and along the strut length are selected. The effect of strut diameter, strut length, and strut inclination angle on the compressive properties was explored. From the results obtained, the slenderness ratio of struts significantly influenced failure modes of structures and a densification stage occurred only when the slenderness ratio was greater than 0.175. The factors that showed the largest influence on strength and specific strength were strut length and strut inclination angle and the highest strength and specific strength were 8.57 MPa and 53.6 MPa/(g/cm3), respectively. In addition, theoretical analysis and finite-element method simulations are performed to investigate the compression performance of the 3D-printed structures and a post-failure model is proposed. It was found that 3D-printed X structures exhibited superior specific strength, specific stiffness, and energy absorption capacity. This study is of guiding significance for improving the compressing and energy absorption performances of 3D-printed lattice structures.