Characterization of the mechanical properties of samples fabricated by an experimental SGM device

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of different parameters (layer thickness, jetted binder volume per layer and type of binder and temperature) on the mechanical properties of parts made with an experimental 3D printing (3DP) process. This 3DP device built for this project is based on the spiral growth manufacturing (SGM) device previously introduced by Hauser et al. at The University of Liverpool. It differs from the common 3DP in that it generates the different parts using only one rotating piston instead of two non-rotating ones. Design/methodology/approach - Several parts are produced using this device according to an experimental design, repeating each run three times. The experimental machine is able to make every part needed without major issues, demonstrating that it is possible to build a functional device using common and standard components. Findings - Experimental analysis of the printed parts shows that the layer thickness has the highest effect on apparent density, hardness and fracture strength of the parts made. Originality/value - Empirical information is provided about mechanical behavior (e.g. apparent density, hardness and fracture strength) of parts made under different processing factors (e.g. binder type, layer thickness, quantity of binder and chamber temperature) using a SGM-based 3DP experimental device.