Journal
RAPID PROTOTYPING JOURNAL
Volume 25, Issue 1, Pages 38-46Publisher
EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD
DOI: 10.1108/RPJ-05-2017-0107
Keywords
Fused deposition modelling; Additive manufacturing; 3D printing; Multimaterials; Interface
Funding
- FCT [UID/EEA/04436/2013, UID/CTM/50025/2013]
- FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalizacao (POCI) [POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941]
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Purpose An issue when printing multi-material objects is understanding how different materials will perform together, especially because interfaces between them are always created. This paper aims to address this interface from a mechanical perspective and evaluates how it should be designed for a better mechanical performance. Design/methodology/approach Different interface mechanisms were considered, namely, microscopic interfaces that are based on chemical bonding and were represented with a U-shape interface; a macroscopic interface characterized by a mechanical interlocking mechanism, represented by a T-shape interface; and a mesoscopic interface that sits between other interface systems and that was represented by a dovetail shape geometry. All these different interfaces were tested in two different material sets, namely, poly (lactic acid)-poly (lactic acid) and poly (lactic acid)-thermoplastic polyurethane material pairs. These two sets represent high- and low-compatibility materials sets, respectively. Findings The results showed, despite the materials' compatibility level, multi-material objects will have a better mechanical performance through a macroscopic interface, as it is based on a mechanical interlocking system, of which performance cannot be achieved by a simple face-to-face interface even when considering the same material. Originality/value The paper investigates the importance of interface design in multi-material 3D prints by fused filament fabrication. Especially, for parts intended to be subjected to mechanical efforts, simple face-to-face interfaces are not sufficient and more robust and macroscopic-based interface geometries (based on mechanical interlocking systems) are advised. Moreover, such interfaces do not raise esthetic problems because of their working principle; the 3D printing technology can hide the interface geometries, if required.
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