Influence of layer thickness on mechanical properties in stereolithography

Purpose - Mechanical properties such as tensile, yield, impact strengths, and development of residual stresses play an important role intooling applications. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of layer thickness - one of the influential process parameters in stereolithography (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Rapid prototyping journal 2006-01, Vol.12 (2), p.106-113
Main Authors: Chockalingam, K., Jawahar, N., Chandrasekhar, U.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Epoxy resins
Mechanical properties
Mechanical properties of materials
Process efficiency
Rapid prototyping
Studies
Thickness measurement
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Summary:Purpose - Mechanical properties such as tensile, yield, impact strengths, and development of residual stresses play an important role intooling applications. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of layer thickness - one of the influential process parameters in stereolithography (SL) process, on mechanical properties of SL components.Design methodology approach - Test specimens are constructed as per the ASTM standards for different layer thicknesses in SL 5000 machine, using epoxy resin CIBA tool ® SL5530, a high temperature resistant SL material that is suitable for rapid tooling applications. Tensile, yield and impact tests are carried out with suitable equipments. Residual stress is analysed using hole drill method.Findings - The analysis reveals that when the layer thickness is smaller, the strength of the part is higher.Research limitations implications - Conclusion of this research is drawn based on the analysis of the most widely used three layer thicknesses of 100, 125 and 150 μm. X-ray diffraction or molecular resonance analysis may be useful to understand the reason for the variation in mechanical properties.Originality value - This experimental study provides the useful information to the SL machine users in the selection of layer thickness to manufacture rapid tools.
ISSN:1355-2546
1758-7670
DOI:10.1108/13552540610652456