Mechanical characteristics of 3D printed resins composites

Abstract

This final year project includes a literature review of additive manufacturing of composite technology, the post-processing techniques, and procedures for various 3D printed composites. Experimental results of the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and fatigue strength of 3D printed composite - carbon fibre reinforced onyx is studied. Although there are many research done on carbon fibre, there is yet to have any research done with the onyx plastic matrix. A total of 12 specimens were printed for this project, 4 specimens for tensile tests and the remaining 8 specimens for fatigue test. The strength and modulus of elasticity are calculated from the test results and have shown that the tensile strength and tensile strain decreased significantly when the fibres were printed in +45˚/-45˚ orientation. A fracture analysis of the specimens was also conducted to study the failure of the printed composites. Voids were suspected to be in the printed specimens. Errors and limitations are also reported in this study.