Enhancing Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Polymers Through Metallic Surface Coating - A Finite Element Analysis
At a Glance
Section titled āAt a Glanceā| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2024-11-17 |
| Authors | Bhim Prasad Kafle, Abishek B. Kamaraj |
| Institutions | Grand Valley State University |
| Citations | 1 |
Abstract
Section titled āAbstractāAbstract Additive Manufacturing (AM) has enabled the production of intricate designs, such as lattices, with high geometric accuracy, reduced material wastage, and improved mechanical properties. However, 3D-printed structures made of polymers often lack the required mechanical strength. Coating 3D-printed polymer structures with metals can improve their thermal properties, conductivity, wear resistance, aesthetic appearance, and strength-to-weight ratio to address this issue. This study explores the linear finite element analysis of strut-based lattice structures with metal surface coatings under uniaxial load. The study used ASTM standard Type III dog-bone specimens with Diamond-type strut-based lattices. The base (substrate) materials considered were ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and vat photopolymerized resin, while common metals Copper (Cu) and Nickel (Ni) were used as coating materials. The thickness of the coating varied from 10 Ī¼m to 500 Ī¼m, and incremental load was applied to the model until it exhibited elastic yielding. The study results showed that the specimenās modulus of elasticity improved with the application of metal coating. The modulus was observed to be maximum when the coating thickness was minimum (10 Ī¼m), and gradually decreased as the coating thickness increased. The mechanical properties, such as resilience and stiffness, improved with increased coating thickness. The maximum strength-to-weight ratio was obtained when the coating thickness was 200 Ī¼m. This study provides valuable insights into enhancing the structural performance of strut-based lattices through surface coatings. It contributes to advancements in lightweight and efficient engineering materials and designs.