'The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology'
Abstract
With Additive Manufacturing (AM) capabilities rapidly expanding in industrial applications,
there exists a need to quantify materials' mechanical properties to ensure reliable performance
that is robust to variations in environment and build orientation. While prior research has
examined process-parameter and environmental effects for AM processes such as extrusion, vat
photopolymerization, and powder bed fusion, existing similar research on the material jetting
process is limited. Focusing on polypropylene-like (VeroWhitePlus) and elastomer-like
(TangoBlackPlus) materials, the authors first characterize the anisotropic properties of six
different gradients produced from mixing the two materials in preset quantities. Three build
orientations were used to fabricate parts and analyze tensile stress, modulus of elasticity, and
elongation at break for each material. The authors also present results from an investigation of
how aging of parts in different lighting conditions affects material properties. The results from
these experiments provide an enhanced understanding of the material behaviors relating to
material jetting process parameters and can inform material selection when manufacturing loadbearing parts.Mechanical Engineerin
