3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Research Articles

Appraisal of surface preparation in adhesive bonding of additive manufactured substrates

This work emphasizes the critical need of surface preparation to improve the performance of adhesively bonded 3D printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) adherends obtained using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). In particular, mechanical abrasion and two different plasma pre-treatments, i.e., Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (APP) and Low-Pressure Plasma (LPP), were compared through the qualitative analysis of surface wettability, using static and dynamic contact angle measurements, and the quantitative evaluation of surface roughness measured using optical profilometry. In addition, mechanical tests were carried out using the single lap joint configuration and the interaction between the treated ABS substrates and three different adhesive materials, epoxy, polyurethane and modified silane, were carefully ascertained. The results indicated that the plasma process at low pressure (LPP) enabled a substantial decrease of contact angle (θ < 10o), with little modifications of surface morphology and topography with respect to the reference solvent cleaned surface (θ > 80o). The improved wetting was accompanied by a relevant increase in the joint strength. The actual mechanism of fracture shifted from adhesive failure, typical of solvent cleaned and abraded surfaces, to full cohesive failure within either the substrates of the adhesive layer. Besides, a strong influence of the adhesive selected for manufacturing was reported. Indeed, using a tough bi-component epoxy adhesive in conjunction with the LPP pre-treatment led to substrate failure, representing the largest possible enhancement of joint strength. The shear strength was over 300% of that obtained with reference solvent cleaned, and 80% larger than that recorded on abraded surfaces.

Fabrication of a 3D-Printed Porous Junction for Ag|AgCl|gel-KCl Reference Electrode

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is a 3D printing method that is attracting increased interest in the development of miniaturized electrochemical sensor systems due to its versatility, low cost, reproducibility, and capability for rapid prototyping. A key component of miniaturized electrochemical systems is the reference electrode (RE). However, reports of the fabrication of a true 3D-printed RE that exhibits stability to variations in the sample matrix remain limited. In this work, we report the development and characterization of a 3D-printed Ag|AgCl|gel-KCl reference electrode (3D-RE). The RE was constructed using a Ag|AgCl wire and agar-KCl layer housed in a watertight 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) casing. The novel feature of our electrode is a 3D-printed porous junction that protects the gel electrolyte layer from chloride ion leakage and test sample contamination while maintaining electrical contact with the sample solution. By tuning the 3D printing filament extrusion ratio (k), the porosity of the junction was adjusted to balance the reference electrode potential stability and impedance. The resulting 3D-RE demonstrated a stable potential, with a potential drift of 4.55 ± 0.46 mV over a 12-h period of continuous immersion in 0.1 M KCl, and a low impedance of 0.50 ± 0.11 kΩ. The 3D-RE was also insensitive to variations in the sample matrix and maintained a stable potential for at least 30 days under proper storage in 3 M KCl. We demonstrate the application of this 3D-RE in cyclic voltammetry and in pH sensing coupled with electrodeposited iridium oxide on a gold electrode. Our method offers a viable strategy for 3D printing a customizable true reference electrode that can be readily fabricated on demand and integrated into 3D-printed miniaturized electrochemical sensor systems.

Modelling of Quadratic-Surface Sludge Digesters by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) – Finite Element (FE) Methods

Abstract The quadric-surfaced sludge digester (QSD), also known as the egg-shaped sludge digester, has proven its advantages over traditional cylindrical digesters recently. A reduction in operational cost is the dominant factor. Its shell can be described as a revolution of a parabola with the apex and base being either tapered or spherical. This shape provides a surface free of discontinuities, which is advantageous regarding the efficiency during mixing. Since the shape does not produce areas of inactive fluid motion within the tank, sludge settlement and an eventual grit build-up are avoided. The stresses developed in the shell of the sludge digester, vary along the meridian and equatorial diameters. A non-dimensional parameter, ξ, defines the height-to-diameter aspect ratio which is used to delineate the parametric boundary conditions of the shell’s surface. Three groups of analyses were conducted to determine the orthogonal stresses in the shell of the QSD. The first-principles numerical models ran reasonably quickly, and many simulations were made during the study. The results showed that they were in within the range 5.34% to 7.2% to 2D FEA results. The 3D FEA simulation results were within the range of 8.3% to 9.2% to those from the MATLAB time-history models. This is a good indicator that the first principles numerical models are an excellent time-saving method to predict the behaviour of the QSD under seismic excitation. Upon examining the criteria for the design, analysing the results for the 2D FEA simulations showed that the fill height is not a significant variable with sloshing however the 3D FEA showed that the hydrostatic pressure is a significant variable. With the maximum tensile stress of the 3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)-a common thermoplastic polymer typically used for injection molding applications, being 24.4 MPa, the overall maximum stress of 5.45 MPa, the material can be a viable option for the use of QSD construction in small island developing states (SIDS).

Optimization of Electroless Nickel Tungsten Composite Coating on 3D-Printed ABS Substrate for Maximum Tungsten Content

Electroless nickel phosphorous tungsten (Ni-P-W) coating is widely used to improve the wear and hardness of steel. Studies on the composite coating of plastics, and in particular, additive manufactured parts are lacking. Many applications are demanding high hardness and high-temperature stability of the 3D-printed parts. The purpose of this work is to study the electroless Ni-P-W composite coating on the digital acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) substrate, 3D printed by polyjet technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) are used to study structural morphology, composition, and phase structure of the coating, respectively. Electroless Ni-P-W coating on digital ABS-printed parts was successfully carried and optimized for maximum tungsten content in the coating. Finally the thermal stabilities of developed coating are compared with electroless nickel coating. The study revealed that the low level of pH and sodium tungstate in the bath results in the maximum percentage of tungsten in the coating with higher hardness. SEM and EDX analyses show a smooth crack-free surface with 4.77 wt.% of tungsten in the coating, respectively. XRD studies of the coating show amorphous nature of the coating at low pH with maximum tungsten content while at high pH, the tungsten content reduces, and the coating becomes crystalline. The developed electroless nickel tungsten composite coating with higher thermal stability can enhance the use of 3D-printed ABS parts in many applications like rapid tooling for injection moulding, electric discharge machine (EDM) tooling and electronic industries for electromagnetic shielding.

Thermal and mechanical characterization of OMMT nano clay treated ABS parts via acetone deposition technique

Presently, the Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique being used for the fabrication of end use products, but its application is restricted due to lack integrity in the surface quality because of its layer upon layer building technique. Hence, further improvement in the AM process are depends on the post processing of 3D printed parts and advancements in the materials being processed by AM technique. In recent years, use of nanoclay has gained considerable attraction due to its superior quality compared to pristine material. Montmorillonite nanoclay has versatile nanoparticles and has potential to enhance the part properties. This work discusses the utilization of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay for the post treatment of the FDM 3D printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) parts via chemical deposition technique. In this work, compatibility of OMMT with ABS was investigated. ABS parts were fabricated by commercial FDM machine and further, nanoparticles were deposited over the printed parts through by acetone bathing. OMMT in varying amount (2, 4, and 6 wt%), and immersion time (30, 50, and 70 Sec) were selected as the compatibilizer. The treated parts were evaluated for mechanical and thermal properties. The microstructure of treated parts was observed by optical microscope and analyzed by low angle XRD. The specimen treated with 4% nanoclay with 70 sec immersion time showed the better surface smoothness and also increased tensile & flexural strength and elastic & flexural modulus of 38.85 MPa & 48.63 MPa and 2.9 GPa & 1.8 GPa respectively. The parts treated with 6% OMMT nanoclay with 70 sec immersion time showed least (4.48 × 10–5C−1) expansion coefficient. It is also observed that, Tg value also increases from 101 to 106 0C with increase of OMMT content from 2 to 6 wt%. The surface treatment approach showed a competent way to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of FDM parts.

Preliminary Study on Polishing SLA 3D-Printed ABS-Like Resins for Surface Roughness and Glossiness Reduction.

After the development of 3D printing, the post-processing of the 3D-printed materials has been continuously studied, and with the recent expansion of the application of 3D printing, interest in it is increasing. Among various surface-machining processes, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is a technology that can effectively provide a fine surface via chemical reactions and mechanical material removal. In this study, two polishing methods were evaluated for the reduction of surface roughness and glossiness of a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) 3D-printed ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)-like resin. Experiments were conducted on the application of CMP directly to the 3D-printed ABS-like resin (one-step polishing), and on the application of sanding (#2000) and CMP sequentially (two-step polishing). The one-step polishing experiments showed that it took a considerable period of time to remove waviness on the surface of the as-3D printed specimen using CMP. However, in the case of two-step polishing, surface roughness was reduced, and glossiness was increased faster than in the case of one-step polishing via sanding and CMP. Consequently, the experimental results show that the two-step polishing method reduced roughness more efficiently than the one-step polishing method.

Microstructure and mechanical performance examination of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene thermoplastic parts

AbstractFused filament fabrication (FFF) is a process where thermoplastic materials are heated to its melting point and then extruded, layer by layer, to create a three dimensional printed part. Printing occurs in a layered manner, which leads to creation of voids (air gaps) in the 3D printed parts. These voids act as centers for crack initiation, propagation and therefore resulting bulk mechanical properties are lower. This paper focuses on microstructural characterization and analysis of fused filament fabricated tensile test coupons made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer, at various design conditions. Comparable tensile modulus with injection molded specimens was obtained for FFF design condition that is, slice height (0.1778 mm), raster width (0.4064 mm), raster to raster air gap (−0.0015 mm), contour to raster air gap (−0.0508 mm) and raster angle (0°). Scanning electron microscope studies provided an understanding as to why FFF processed specimens yielded lower failure strain and an insight into the presence of intralayer voids in specimens having lower tensile modulus. The study confirmed that though bulk mechanicals were affected by the combined effect of inter, intra and interfacial voids, intravoids had a predominant influence.

Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene TiO2 and ATO Nanocomposites.

In order to enhance the mechanical performance of three-dimensional (3D) printed structures fabricated via commercially available fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, novel nanocomposite filaments were produced herein following a melt mixing process, and further 3D printed and characterized. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Antimony (Sb) doped Tin Oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs), hereafter denoted as ATO, were selected as fillers for a polymeric acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic matrix at various weight % (wt%) concentrations. Tensile and flexural test specimens were 3D printed, according to international standards. It was proven that TiO2 filler enhanced the overall tensile strength by 7%, the flexure strength by 12%, and the micro-hardness by 6%, while for the ATO filler, the corresponding values were 9%, 13%, and 6% respectively, compared to unfilled ABS. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the size of TiO2 (40 ± 10 nm) and ATO (52 ± 11 nm) NPs. Raman spectroscopy was performed for the TiO2 and ATO NPs as well as for the 3D printed nanocomposites to verify the polymer structure and the incorporated TiO2 and ATO nanocrystallites in the polymer matrix. The scope of this work was to fabricate novel nanocomposite filaments using commercially available materials with enhanced overall mechanical properties that industry can benefit from.

Correlation of tribo-mechanical properties of internal geometry structures of fused filament fabrication 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

Purpose This study aims is to investigate the correlation between tribological and mechanical properties of the fused filament fabrication 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pin with different internal geometries. Design/methodology/approach The tribological properties were determined by a dry sliding test with constant test parameters, while the hardness and modulus of elasticity were determined by microhardness and compression tests. Findings Although the internal geometry of the pin sample slightly affects the coefficient of friction (COF) and the wear rate of the 3D-printed ABS, it was important to design a lightweight tribo-component by reducing the material used to save energy without compromising the strength of the component. The COF and wear rate values are relatively dependent on the elastic modulus. A 3D-printed ABS pin with an internal triangular flip structure was found to have the shortest run-in period and the lowest COF with high wear resistance. Abrasive wear and delamination are the predominant wear mechanisms involved. Research limitations/implications The findings are the subject of future research under various sliding conditions by investigating the synergistic effect of sliding speeds and applied loads to validate the results of this study. Originality/value The internal structure affects the mechanical properties and release stress concentration at the contact point, resulting in hypothetically low friction and wear. This approach may also reduce the weight of the parts without scarifying or at least preserving their preceding tribological performance. Therefore, based on our knowledge, limited studies have been conducted for the application of 3D printing in tribology, and most studies focused on improving their mechanical properties rather than correlating them with tribological properties that would benefit longer product lifespans. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0143/

Synergistic effect of loads and speeds on the dry sliding behaviour of fused filament fabrication 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pins with different internal geometries

This study aims to investigate the dry sliding behaviour of the 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pins which were developed using the fused filament fabrication process and showed different internal geometries under varying normal loads and sliding speeds. Results noted in this study were analysed and related to their mechanical properties. It was also supported by the findings derived after the use of the wear transition mode along with the wear mechanisms of 3D-printed ABS. It was seen that the pin with a triangular flip internal structure showed the minimum coefficient of friction (COF) value and the wear rate distribution. The wear rate and the COF values were relatively dependent to the normal loads, sliding speeds and internal geometries. However, the correlation between tribological and mechanical properties of the 3D-printed ABS pin with different internal geometries is not statistically significant. The main wear mechanisms that caused a mild and severe wear were seen to be delamination, abrasion and lower fatigue wear.

Effects of multiple sterilizations and natural aging on the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed ABS

Three-dimensional printing of functional parts for different applications has increasingly attracted the interest of industries, owing to advantages such as seamless customization, a simplified supply chain, and on-demand production of prototypes. Hence, the mechanical properties of 3D prints subjected to different types of loads and exposed to factors specific to working and storage conditions must be studied. In this context, this study focuses on experimentally investigating the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) specimens exposed to shelf life and multiple sterilizations, as these conditions are typical for medical instruments in a hospital environment. Tensile and flexural specimens were manufactured using fused deposition modeling (FDM) and were randomly divided into two groups. One group was used for evaluating the medium-term natural aging (shelf life) and as the control group for the sterilized specimens. Specimens in the second group underwent repeated sterilizations. Mechanical tests were performed on specimens from both groups, and comparisons of the results were made across groups and within individual groups. The fracture patterns of sterilized and non-sterilized specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and industrial computer tomography (CT) was performed to understand the experimental findings. The results show that natural aging and repeated sterilizations do not influence mechanical performance in terms of stiffness and strength in tension and flexion. However, other properties, such as creep, wear, and fatigue should also be considered with regard to sterilization, depending on the instrument functionality.

Mechanical and Electrical Properties Investigation of 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene Graphene and Carbon Nanocomposites

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) nanocomposite filaments for 3D-printing were produced by melt compounding and extrusion. Two types of nanoadditives were employed: (a) graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) at various concentrations and (b) carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer was used for the fabrication of specimens, according to international standards to be employed for the determination of the tension and flexural mechanical properties of the specimens and the correlation with their microstructure. Nanocomposite filaments were also tested in tension, to evaluate the effect of 3D printing on the material. Moreover, the electrical properties of the specimens were also determined. As found out, a decrease in the tensile strength, the tensile modulus of elasticity, the flexural strength, and the flexural modulus of elasticity can be observed with the increase in the GnP concentration, in every case. ABS specimens filled with CNTs exhibited higher tensile and flexural strength and a more brittle behavior when compared to pure ABS and ABS with GnP. Regarding the electrical properties of the composites, it was found that dielectric constant increases by increasing GnP content, the specimens remaining at the same time rather nonconductive, even at a concentration of 10 wt.% in GnP. In contrast, ABS filled with CNTs at a concentration of 10% illustrated a large conductivity.

Utilizing a coil to realize 3D electrodes for dielectrophoresis-based particle concentration

In this paper a novel technique is presented to fabricate a coil of insulated and uninsulated wires placed in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel. The design introduces 3D dielectrophoresis-based particle concentration using a coil for the first time. The wires were wound around a 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) rod and embedded in the PDMS. The ABS then dissolved in acetone to create the channel surrounded by wires. Electric field is attained by applying 180° phase-shifted electric potentials to the uninsulated wires, acting as electrodes. Hence, the insulated wires only serve as insulators between the electrodes to prevent them from electrical shorting. This configuration produces a gradient in the electric field with its maximum near the channel walls (electrodes) and its minimum at the centre of the channel. Thus, under proper electric field frequency, negative dielectrophoresis force focuses particles by pushing them to the central area of the channel while the fluid flow carries them to the outlet. Proof-of-concept simulations and experiments were conducted. Polystyrene particles, with a diameter of 6 µm, were used in the experiments. To find the concentration performance under different conditions, the variations in the frequency and amplitude of the electric potential and the flow rate of the solution were examined. The results confirmed the capability of the coil to efficiently focus the polystyrene particles under optimum conditions. A comprehensive set of COMSOL simulations demonstrate the underlying principles. In addition, polystyrene particles with diameters of 6 µm and 15 µm were simulated under different conditions. Under the same conditions, the larger particles can be focused more efficient than the smaller particles.

Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed ABS as a Function of Raster Angle.

Due to the rapid growth of 3D printing popularity, including fused deposition modeling (FDM), as one of the most common technologies, the proper understanding of the process and influence of its parameters on resulting products is crucial for its development. One of the most crucial parameters of FDM printing is the raster angle and mutual arrangement of the following filament layers. Presented research work aims to evaluate different raster angles (45°, 55°, 55’°, 60° and 90°) on the static, as well as rarely investigated, dynamic mechanical properties of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials. Configuration named 55’° was based on the optimal winding angle in filament-wound pipes, which provides them exceptional mechanical performance and durability. Also in the case of 3D printed samples, it resulted in the best impact strength, comparing to other raster angles, despite relatively weaker tensile performance. Interestingly, all 3D printed samples showed surprisingly high values of impact strength considering their calculated brittleness, which provides new insights into understanding the mechanical performance of 3D printed structures. Simultaneously, it proves that, despite extensive research works related to FDM technology, there is still a lot of investigation required for a proper understanding of this process.

Reduced surface adsorption in 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene micro free-flow electrophoresis devices.

We have 3D printed and fabricated micro free-flow electrophoresis (µFFE) devices in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) that exhibit minimal surface adsorption without requiring additional surface coatings or specialized buffer additives. 2D, nano LC-micro free flow electrophoresis (2D nLC × µFFE) separations were used to assess both spatial and temporal broadening as peaks eluted through the separation channel. Minimal broadening due to wall adsorption was observed in either the spatial or temporal dimensions during separations of rhodamine 110, rhodamine 123, and fluorescein. Surface adsorption was observed in separations of Chromeo P503 labeled myoglobin and cytochrome c but was significantly reduced compared to previously reported glass devices. Peak widths of <30 s were observed for both proteins. For comparison, Chromeo P503 labeled myoglobin and cytochrome c adsorb strongly to the surface of glass µFFE devices resulting in peak widths >20min. A 2D nLC × µFFE separation of a Chromeo P503 labeled tryptic digest of BSA was performed to demonstrate the high peak capacity possible due to the low surface adsorption in the 3D printed ABS devices, even in the absence of surface coatings or buffer additives.

Mechanical structural design based on additive manufacturing and internal reinforcement

The design of modern mechanical components often requires the use of low-density and high-strength parts. Additive manufacturing presents competence in obtaining format complexity internally (voids, ducts, channels) and externally (shape, holes). However, parts obtained by material extrusion additive manufacturing are highly anisotropic and relatively weak. This paper aims to present a new mechanical design technique that combines the high geometry flexibility of additive manufacturing with internal structuring reinforcement by high-strength materials, which enables optimized parts with reinforcement in the most mechanical stressed areas during service, through adopting structured internal geometry filled with reinforcement material. Dense test specimens and test specimens with internal structural canals filled with reinforcement material (epoxy resin and carbon fibers) were designed, fabricated and tested physically and virtually. The obtained results provide property values for 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (typical material of additive manufacturing) and for this polymer reinforced with various reinforcement material configurations (useful for mechanical design). The reinforcement decreased anisotropy and improved mechanical properties. Optimized parts filled with resin and long carbon fibers had maximum flexural resistance of 112 MPa, with a specific weight of 1.1 g/cm3. This reinforcement provided parts with specific flexural strength similar to structural aluminum alloys, preserving the geometry and external dimension of the printed parts. The technique presented here shows the possibility of new conceptions in mechanical components design and strength optimization by internal reinforcement canals in parts. The technique is useful for mechanical design activity and allows for new product conceptions based on additive manufacturing.

Graphene epoxy spray on 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene substrates as O2 gas barrier

Modified graphene oxide was introduced as a gas barrier by using polymer epoxy on 3D-printing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene substrates (ABS) substrates. The applied graphene materials were characterized by infrared, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our gas transmission experiments exhibited excellent barrier properties for O2 for the graphene epoxy-coated 3D-printing substrates. Graphene oxide-incorporated 3D-printed materials were tested for the permeability properties of the ambient gases. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of both the single and the double sheets of graphene nanopores suggest that only the marginal percentages of O2 are predicted to transmit at the graphene layers under ambient conditions. Considering that 3D-printed materials such as ABS are widely used in many areas, a simple method of preparing gas barriers using graphene materials should be useful in technological applications to block ambient gases, as well as to provide a better understanding of the physicochemical characteristics of graphene nanopores.

Mechanical properties and thermal and electrical conductivity of 3D printed ABS-copper ferrite composites via 3D printing technique

This study examines the effect of particulate reinforcement on the mechanical properties of 3D printed acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS). Copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) as a reinforcer with various loadings was used to print ABS composite specimen, namely, 8, 11 and 14 wt%. Mechanical testing such as tensile test and hardness test was performed on the printed samples. Specimens with 14 wt% of CuFe2O4 showed a 135% increase in tensile strength compared to the pure ABS specimens. Specimens printed with 14 wt% of CuFe2O4 are 14% harder compared to the pure ABS specimens. Thermal conductivity increased 93% for specimen loaded with 14 wt% reinforcer. Electrical conductivity shows a one-order increase for composite specimen compared to control specimen.

Additive manufacturing infill optimization for automotive 3D-printed ABS components

PurposeLightweighting of components in the automotive industry is a prevailing trend influenced by both consumer demand and government regulations. As the viability of additively manufactured designs continues to increase, traditionally manufactured components are continually being replaced with 3D-printed parts. The purpose of this paper is to present experimental results and design considerations for 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components with non-solid infill sections, addressing a large gap in the literature. Information published in this paper will guide engineers when designing fused deposition modeling (FDM) ABS parts with infill regions.Design/methodology/approachUniaxial tensile tests and three-point bend tests were performed on 12 different build configurations of 20 samples. FDM with ABS was used as the manufacturing method for the samples. Failure strength and elastic modulus were normalized on print time and specimen mass to quantify variance between configurations. Optimal infill configurations were selected and used in two automotive case study examples.FindingsResults obtained from the uniaxial tensile tests and three-point bend tests distinctly showed that component strength is highly influenced by the infill choice selected. Normalized results indicate that solid, double dense and triangular infill, all with eight contour layers, are optimal configurations for component regions experiencing high stress, moderate stress and low stress, respectively. Implementation of the optimal infill configurations in automotive examples yielded equivalent failure strength without normalization and significantly improved failure strength on a print time and mass normalized index.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to experimentally determine and quantify optimal infill configurations for FDM ABS printed parts. Published data in this paper are also of value to engineers requiring quantitative material properties for common infill configurations.

Fabrication of a Polydimethylsiloxane Fluidic Chip Using a Sacrificial Template Made by Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing and Application for Flow-injection Analysis

Fluidic chip fabrication technologies using three-dimensional (3D) printing have received broad attention recently. Herein, we describe a new method for fabricating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fluidic chips using a 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) template and polymer coating. In this method, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was coated on the 3D-printed template. This coated template was immersed in liquid PDMS, and subsequently the PDMS was cured. Space can be created between the template and PDMS by removing this liquid PEG from the channel. This space renders template removal easier. A flow path is formed by dissolving the template with a solvent. These PDMS chips are used for flow injection measurement.