Research on 3D-Printed Materials: Paving the Way for Stronger, Lighter Plastics

A new study on how 3D-printed materials fail under stress could lead to the creation of stronger and lighter plastics, benefiting many industries

Engineers in the UK and Italy have done extensive research on lattice materials—lightweight, strong honeycomb-like materials.

A new tool design tool called “Enhancement Factor” has been introduced, which helps predict how to improve this mesh design by reducing errors and increasing performance

The study “Multiscale Experiments and Predictive Modeling for Failure Mitigation in Additive Manufacturing of Lattices,” published in Advanced Material Technologies, provides new guidelines for 3D printing These can help scientists create better 3D-printed meshes with improved strength.

The researchers tested polyetherimide (PEI), a durable and recyclable plastic, by printing it in different meshes and wall thicknesses.

They found that low-density fibers buckled under tension, while high-density fibers broke at the junction of plastic fibers, reducing tensile strength

Using detailed scans and simulations, the team found that the cell walls of high-performance meshes are no more than twice as wide as the PEI Now their enhancement factor tools can show how the mesh performance can be improved by by eliminating deficiencies.

Professor Shanmugam Kumar, from the University of Glasgow, said: “3D printing offers the possibility of manufacturing in new ways, but shortcomings can limit it to its full potential.

Our research helps to understand and overcome these shortcomings.” to deal with.

The Italian Ph.D. Leader Mattia Utzeri also included a visit to the University of Glasgow and donations from Cambridge University and Marche University Polytechnic.

These findings could lead to further advances in the design of safe vehicles and efficient aircraft.