Evaluation of the creep strength of samples produced by fused deposition modeling

Abstract

Data sheets for 3D printing materials typically include softening temperature, impact strength, tensile strength, and stiffness. However, creep strength, an important parameter for components used over an extended period, is usually not included. Nevertheless, this parameter is of significant importance for components that are used over an extended period of time. This study compares the long-term creep behavior of a selection of materials that are commonly used in fused deposition modeling 3D printing. The materials under investigation are acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, polylactic acid, and polycarbonate. In addition, the influence of fiber reinforcements on these materials is also examined. A simple, reproducible test procedure is proposed for users to determine and compare creep resistance of materials. This enables developers to select materials suitable for their own requirements on creep resistance and allows 3D-printing users to compare different materials. Results suggest that fiber reinforcement generally improves creep stability in 3D-printing materials, with GreenTEC Pro Carbon and add:north PC Blend HT LCF showing the most promise in this study.

Keywords

• 3d-printing
• fdm
• material property
• creep strength
• additive manufacturing