On Laminated Object Manufactured FDM-Printed ABS/TPU Multimaterial Specimens: An Insight into Mechanical and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is established for enhancing mechanical properties.
• Limited research exists on multi-material components using Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) for sustainable polymers.
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) are durable, flexible, and sustainable polymers with less explored combinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the LOM manufacturing of 3D-printed flexural specimens using ABS and TPU.
• To compare the flexural properties, microscopic imaging, and porosity of layered ABS/TPU specimens.
• To evaluate the performance of functionally graded, sandwiched structures.

Main Methods:

• LOM technique was used to create three-layered specimens of ABS and TPU.
• Specimens were categorized into ABS:TPU:ABS (ATA) and TPU:ABS:TPU (TAT) groups.
• Flexural properties were tested according to ASTM D790 standards, supplemented by microscopic and porosity analysis.

Main Results:

• ATA samples exhibited greater flexural strength than TAT samples.
• A 187% increase in break elongation was observed.
• TAT specimens showed a significant flexural strength increase from 6.8 MPa to 13 MPa (92% improvement).
• Morphological and porosity analyses supported the observed mechanical behaviors.

Conclusions:

• LOM is effective for creating multi-material ABS/TPU specimens with enhanced properties.
• The layering sequence significantly influences flexural strength and elongation.
• This research contributes to the understanding of sustainable polymer applications in additive manufacturing.