New Model of Formed Materials with 3D Printing

Abstract

We attempted to reproduce foamed or porous materials with inhomogeneity similar to that of functionally graded materials (FGMs) using a 3D printer, and to evaluate their mechanical properties. Using a lattice model, we evaluated the compressive properties by changing the thickness. As a result, it was found that the lattice model can sufficiently express the mechanical properties of foamed materials. Young’s modulus of the “Square model”, in which the cells are square, decreased sharply as the thickness increased, reaching about half the value of 1 layer. On the other hand, Young's modulus of the Wide model material, in which the cells are horizontally elongated, did not decrease. Furthermore, a model was created to express the internal irregularity of the holes (lattice) such as FGM, and a comparison was attempted using the same mechanical test. It was found that the Young's modulus depended on the thickness of the “Square model” layer. Furthermore, when compared to an alternating laminate model sample with an increased number of interfaces to evaluate the effect of the uneven interface of the bubbles, it was found that although the Young's modulus increased as the thickness of “Square model” layer decreased, the slope decreased slightly in the region of increased density where there was a rapid increase in stress because of the interface. This was found to be due to the presence of large voids in the uneven lattice distribution at the interface.