Analysis of the compression behaviour of reinforced photocurable materials used in additive manufacturing processes based on a mask image projection system

Jordi Bonada, Pol Barcelona, Miquel Casafont, Josep Maria Pons, Jose Antonio Padilla, Elena Xuriguera

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164605

Materials, Volume 14, Issue 16 – August 2021 – Article number 4605

This paper discusses Mask Image Projection based Stereolithography, an additive manufacturing technology that utilises a Frontal Photopolymerization Process to build parts layer by layer using photocurable resins. The study focuses on using alumina particles as a reinforcement filler to improve the material’s stress-strain behaviour and increase the photoconversion ratio to enhance the mechanical properties. A numerical model was used to identify optimal printing parameters for enhancing the printed part’s elastic mechanical properties based on photocurable materials characteristics. Stable and homogeneous reinforced materials were produced with alumina content ranging from 5 to 15 wt%. Experimental tests were conducted to analyse the compression behaviour of the reinforced materials, which showed an improvement in mechanical properties with the addition of reinforcement fillers, with the maximum improvement observed at a 10 wt% solid load content. Finally, the paper also discusses the influence of sample orientation on the construction platform.

Funding

This research was co-financed by the European Union Regional Development Fund within the framework of the ERDF Operational Program of Catalonia 2014-2020 with a grant of 50% of the total cost eligible, project BASE3D, grant number 001-P-001646. J. Bonada is a Serra Hunter Fellow.

Research category: Additive Manufacturing

Projects associated: BASE 3D

Doctoral Thesis: Desenvolupament de nous materials basats en alúmina per a fabricació additiva mitjançant estereolitografia