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Investigation of Color and Mechanical Properties of Parts Printed on 3D Printers After Salt Spray Testing

  • 0Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak 67100, Türkiye.
Polymers +

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July 30, 2025

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July 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study tested 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS+) materials in various colors and infill densities after salt spray exposure. Material color significantly impacts performance in marine environments, alongside mechanical strength.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Marine Engineering
  • Additive Manufacturing

Background

  • The maritime industry increasingly uses plastics for their beneficial properties like light weight and corrosion resistance.
  • 3D printing is emerging as a key method for producing plastic components for marine applications.
  • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a common marine-grade plastic, and understanding its 3D-printed form's durability is crucial.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the long-term performance of 3D-printed ABS+ materials under simulated marine conditions.
  • To investigate the influence of filament color and infill ratio on the mechanical properties, surface roughness, and color stability of 3D-printed ABS+.
  • To provide insights for selecting appropriate 3D-printed materials for durable use in saltwater environments.

Main Methods

  • The study exposed 3D-printed ABS+ samples (yellow, green, blue; 50%, 75%, 100% infill) to a salt spray test.
  • Post-exposure, mechanical tests (tensile, bending), hardness measurements, surface roughness analysis, and colorimetry were performed.
  • Results were compared against control samples and analyzed based on filament color and infill density.

Main Results

  • Salt spray exposure affected the mechanical behavior, surface roughness, and color of the ABS+ materials.
  • Filament color was identified as a critical factor influencing material performance and degradation in the saltwater environment.
  • Infill ratio also played a role in the material's response to the salt spray test.

Conclusions

  • Color selection is a vital consideration for designing 3D-printed ABS+ components intended for long-term marine applications.
  • Both mechanical strength and color stability must be assessed when choosing materials for harsh saltwater conditions.
  • Further research into color-specific material properties will enhance the reliability of 3D-printed marine components.

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