Effect of layer orientation on mechanical properties of rapid prototyped samples

Tensile strength, modulus of rupture, and impact resistance were found for different layer orientations of ABS rapid prototype solid models. The samples were fabricated by a Stratasys rapid prototyping machine in five different layer orientations. The 0 degrees orientation where layers were deposited along the length of the samples displayed superior strength and impact resistance over all the other orientations. The anisotropic properties were probably caused by weak interlayer bonding and interlayer porosity.