Multiplane fused deposition modeling: a study of tensile strength

A conventional three dimensional (3D) printer utilizes horizontal planar layering to produce 3D printed parts. The development of a higher degree of freedom 3D printing platform allows for vertical and horizontal layering to be achieved in the same print. 3D-printed specimens were created using a conventional Cartesian 3D printer that utilizes layer upon layer deposition in a single plane. Multiplane 3D printed specimens were also created, using a robot arm platform with multiplane layering capabilities. All of the test specimens were put through tensile tests to characterize the mechanical properties of multiplane layered parts compared to single-plane layered parts. Three printing orientations, upright, on-edge, and horizontal, were used for both the conventional 3D printer and the robot arm platform 3D printer processes. The results show that the multiplane layering method implemented by the robot arm 3D printer improved the modulus of elasticity, the yield strength, and the ultimate tensile strength of the tensile specimens in the upright printing orientation compared to the specimens created by the conventional 3D printer. These results can be used to improve the design of 3D printed parts that require specific mechanical characteristics.