Purpose The weakest point in additively manufactured polymer parts produced by material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM) is the interface between adjacent layers and deposition toolpaths or “roads”. This study aims to predict the mechanical strength of parts by utilizing a novel analytical approach. Strength predictions are made using the temperature history of these interfaces, polymer rheological data, and polymer weld theory. Design/methodology/approach The approach is validated using experimental data for two common 3D-printed polymers: polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Interface temperature history data are collected in situ using infrared imaging. Rheological data of the polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene used to fabricate the fused filament fabrication parts in this study have been determined experimentally. Findings The strength of the interfaces has been predicted, to within 10% of experimental strength, using polymer weld theory from the literature adapted to the specific properties of the polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene feedstock used in this study. Originality/value This paper introduces a novel approach for predicting the strength of parts produced by MEAM based on the strength of interfaces using polymer weld theory, polymer rheology, temperature history of the interface and the forces applied to the interface. Unlike methods that require experimental strength data as a prediction input, the proposed approach is material and build orientation agnostic once fundamental parameters related to material composition have been determined.

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Functionally graded materials (FGMs) gradually change composition throughout their volume, allowing for areas of a part to be optimized for specific performance requirements. While additive manufacturing (AM) process types such as material jetting and directed energy deposition are capable of creating FGMs, design guidelines for varying the material composition in an FGM do not exist. This article presents a novel design solution for FGMs: creating the material gradient by varying the mesostructural size and thickness of bicontinuous, multi-material geometries. By using a bicontinuous structure, such as Schoen's gyroid surface or Schwarz's P and D surfaces, each component material exists as a continuous discrete structure, which allows FGMs to be fabricated by a wider range of AM processes. The gradient is created by varying the volume fraction occupied by the surface structure inside the part volume. This article explores the use of this technique to create FGMs with material extrusion AM. Properties of these bicontinuous structures are experimentally characterized and shown to outperform typical material extrusion FGMs.

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