Session: 04-20-01: Design of Engineered Materials and Components for Additive Manufacturing

Paper Number: 141531

141531 - Exploring the Influence of Acetone Vapor Processing and Subsequent Drying Methods on the Fatigue Performance of 3d Printed Abs Parts 

Additive manufacturing is a rapidly expanding field of engineering that is accessible to a wide base of people through the process of 3D printing. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a common technique used in these technologies in which material is melted, extruded and layered to fabricate products. Recently, applications of FDM technologies have surged, extending not only to rapid prototyping but also to the mass production of finalized products. This process is imperfect as it introduces a series of faults including discontinuities, voids and anisotropic layer adhesion. With the widespread adoption of 3D printing it is imperative to develop methods to mitigate these weaknesses. One such process is Acetone Vapor Smoothing (AVS). This is a surface treatment method that has been shown to be effective in reducing surface roughness of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. AVS has been gaining attention worldwide as a possible processing technique in the manufacturing of 3D printed parts. In earlier research, we effectively explored the discrepancies in ultimate strength and fatigue life among 3D printed ABS components crafted with various build/layer orientations. That research successfully underscored the ultimate strengths and fatigue life, including SN Curves. This study is focused on exploring the effect AVS treatment has on the fatigue life of 3D printed ABS components in an effort to increase the effectiveness and scope of these products. To test the AVS process, samples were printed in various layup orientations and were then exposed to acetone vapor.  Samples were divided into two groups to test the impact that the drying method has on the mechanical properties of the treated components. Throughout this process surface roughness was measured and recorded to observe the percent reduction caused by the AVS treatment. Finally, the fatigue characteristics of the samples were tested on a rotating beam fatigue machine. This data is then explored through the use of a stress-life cycle (SN) curve and Basquin’s theory of fatigue. Our findings indicate that the AVS method can mitigate stress concentrations on the surface and structural uncertainty in the 3D printed ABS components, thereby amplifying fatigue strength. This study also details optimal drying procedures for ABS components, which has been determined to be a combination of air and heat drying. This research has shown that AVS is an effective method to improve the material strengths of ABS material. This paper also outlines the optimal conditions for Acetone Vapor exposure time and drying procedure. AVS treatment could play a widespread role in the development of 3D printed materials and the expanding field of additive manufacturing.

Presenting Author: Eric Rada Eastern Washington University

Presenting Author Biography: Eric Rada is an undergraduate student at Eastern Washington University. He is pursuing bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering and physics. His goals are to work in the fields of robotics, aeronautics, and/or nuclear fusion.

Authors:

Heechang Alex Bae Eastern Washington University
Eric Rada Eastern Washington University
Tyler Scheff Eastern Washington University
Matthew Michaelis Eastern Washington University
Awlad Hossain Eastern Washington University