Surface Evaluation of Gyroid Structures for Manufacturing Rubber-Textile Conveyor Belt Carcasses Using Micro-CT

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Metrology

Background:

• Gyroid structures are common in additive manufacturing.
• Flexfill 92A is a material used in 3D printing.
• Metrological analysis is crucial for validating manufactured parts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a metrological analysis of Flexfill 92A gyroid structures.
• To evaluate the impact of relative density on dimensional accuracy.
• To assess the suitability of additive manufacturing for conveyor belt components.

Main Methods:

• Industrial computer tomography was used for analysis.
• Specimens with relative densities from 25% to 85% were manufactured.
• Surface determination with internal defect closure was applied.

Main Results:

• Smallest external dimension deviations occurred at higher relative densities.
• Wall thickness showed minimal change at 45% relative density.
• Material volume was consistently lower than theoretical values, with surface area larger.

Conclusions:

• Metrological analysis reveals density-dependent dimensional accuracy in 3D printed gyroid structures.
• Findings inform the potential use of additive manufacturing for rubber-textile conveyor belt skeletons.
• Further research is needed to optimize additive manufacturing for industrial applications.