Effect of Process Parameters and Shot Peening on the Tensile Strength and Deflection of Polymer Parts Made Using Mask Image Projection Stereolithography (MIP-SLA)

Abstract

Mask Image Projection Stereolithography (MIP-SLA) is an additive manufacturing technique in which a liquid photopolymer resin is hardened from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Shot peening is a surface treatment to improve the mechanical properties of components. The goal of this work was to quantify the effect of SLA print process parameters, namely layer height and UV exposure, and shot peening on the longitudinal tensile strength of ASTM D638 Type 5 test artifacts. Test parts were created using a central composite experimental plan on a B9 Creator desktop SLA machine. Deflection of the pseudo-Almen strips after shot peening was measured using a digital camera to identify desired peening condition. Post-shot peening tensile strength was measured for the ASTM D638 Type 5 parts. Shot peening generally decreased the strength of MIPSLA parts.Mechanical Engineerin