How are the mechanical properties of parts produced by 3D printers tested?

  Hi everybody,

The mechanical properties of parts produced by 3D printers are crucial for determining their suitability for specific applications. Testing these properties ensures that the parts can withstand the required loads and stresses. Here's a detailed overview of how the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts are tested:


Tensile Testing:

    Purpose: To measure the part's strength and elongation under tension.
    Procedure: A sample part (usually a standardized dog-bone-shaped specimen) is subjected to a controlled tensile force until it breaks. The tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at break are recorded.

Compression Testing:

    Purpose: To assess the part's ability to withstand compressive forces.
    Procedure: The part is compressed between two plates until it deforms or fails. The compressive strength and modulus are determined from the stress-strain curve.

Flexural Testing:

    Purpose: To evaluate the part's stiffness and resistance to bending.
    Procedure: A sample is supported at two points and loaded in the middle to induce bending. The flexural strength and modulus are calculated based on the force and displacement.

Impact Testing:

    Purpose: To determine the part's toughness and resistance to sudden impacts.
    Procedure: A notched specimen is struck by a swinging pendulum or a falling weight, and the energy absorbed by the material before breaking is measured.

Hardness Testing:

    Purpose: To measure the surface hardness of the part.
    Procedure: A hard indenter (such as a steel ball or diamond tip) is pressed into the surface of the part, and the hardness is determined based on the depth or size of the indentation.

Fatigue Testing:

    Purpose: To assess the part's durability under cyclic loading.
    Procedure: The part is subjected to repeated stress cycles at various levels until it fails. The number of cycles to failure is recorded to establish a fatigue life curve.

Thermal Properties Testing:

    Purpose: To evaluate the part's behavior under thermal stresses.
    Procedure: Tests such as thermal conductivity, heat deflection temperature, and coefficient of thermal expansion are conducted to understand how the part responds to temperature changes.

 Microstructural Analysis:

    Purpose: To examine the internal structure of the part.
    Procedure: Techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) or X-ray computed tomography (CT) are used to analyze the microstructure, porosity, and layer bonding of the part.

Standards and Certifications:

    Standards: Testing procedures are often guided by standards set by organizations like ASTM International or ISO to ensure consistency and comparability of results.
    Certifications: For certain applications, especially in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries, parts may need to meet specific certifications or regulatory requirements.

In summary, testing the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts involves a combination of standardized tests to assess strength, stiffness, toughness, and durability. Understanding these properties is essential for ensuring that the parts can perform as required in their intended applications.


3D printers and control devices, which are one of the finest examples of the step-by-step growth and advancement of the industry, have brought the practicality of turning every home into a small production facility. At this point, although there are many resources available, we have tried to answer the questions you have about 3D printers and related topics and organize them in a more structured manner.


+ What is 3D printers? 

+ 3D printers vs CNC 

- Standards For 3D printers

- What types of materials can 3D printers use?  

- What are the different printing technologies used in 3D printers?  

- How do layer height and resolution affect print quality in 3D printing?  

- How can the durability of parts produced by 3D printers be enhanced?  

- Why are support materials necessary in 3D printing, and how are they removed?  

- How are color prints achieved in 3D printing?  

- What are the innovative applications of 3D printers in the medical and healthcare sectors?  

- How can 3D printers provide time and cost savings in the production process?  

- How are scaling and sizing issues resolved in 3D printing?  

- How are parts with complex geometries printed using 3D printers?  

- How is the environmental impact and sustainability of 3D printers assessed?  

- What are the types and properties of filaments used in 3D printers?  

- What are the industrial applications of 3D printers and their role in mass production?  

- What are the ways to reduce surface roughness in 3D printing?  

- How are the mechanical properties of parts produced by 3D printers tested?  

- How are personalized products designed and produced using 3D printers?  

- What are the expectations for the future development of 3D printing technology?  

- How are copyright and intellectual property issues addressed in production with 3D printers?  

- How can the use of 3D printers in education and teaching be expanded?  

- What are the potential applications of 3D printing technology in the food industry?  

- Are you looking for a second hand 3D printer?

+ Homepage 3D printers 


"These questions generally include questions that many people might have about '3D printers.' Each user or student will have their own specific questions depending on a particular situation or application. The answers are not binding or completely definitive. You are free to share the above article as a reference. - Automation AVM Community, 03/2022" 

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