In this paper, the effects of build parameters on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) produced using fused deposition modeling (FDM) are investigated. Full factorial experimental design incorporating a 2-level, 3-factor design with raster angle, layer thickness and interior fill style was carried out. Tensile tests were performed at four different strain rates to determine how the build parameters influence the mechanical properties of the 3-D printed ABS and to assess its strain rate sensitivity under quasi-static loading. It was found that the modulus of toughness of ABS material is most influenced by raster angle, while the interior fill style is the most dominant build parameter that dictates the specimen's modulus of resilience, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. At all strain rates, it is further revealed that higher mean values of yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and modulus of resilience were obtained when the interior fill style is solid as opposed to high density. This can be attributed to the denser structure and higher effective cross-sectional area in solid interior fill style in comparison with high density interior fill style. However, the influence of the layer thickness on the investigated mechanical properties was found to be inconsistent. It was noted that specimens built with both 0.254 mm layer thickness and the cross [0˚/90˚] raster angle had superior mechanical properties when compared to those built with the 0.3302 mm layer thickness and cross [0˚/90˚] raster angle. This suggests that there is a key interaction between the layer thickness and the raster angle. At any FDM build parameter, it was found that all the mechanical properties investigated in this work exhibited modest sensitivity to strain rates. This study has provided a platform for an appropriate selection of build parameters combinations and strain rates for How to cite this paper: Hibbert, K.,

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In this paper, the primary synthesis and secondary treatment of Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) has been reviewed. The renewed quest for component materials with high strength-to-weight ratio, unusual and superlative combination of properties for applications in automotive, aerospace, marine and warfare armoury manufacturing industries has increased the versatility potential of aluminium alloy-based composites. Several categories (synthetic and agro-based ceramics) of reinforcement materials for aluminium composite are discussed. The manufacturing/fabrication techniques which could be solid phase (powder metallurgy and rapid prototyping or 3 D printing method) or liquid phase (casting and pressure infiltration) methods are discussed in this review work. Secondary treatment such as heat treatment, forging and other thermomechanical treatments which improves the properties of as-synthesized composites are also discussed. A review synopsis of recent studies provides opportunity for concise but a more robust understanding of potential benefits and detrimental effects associated with the use of various primary synthesis routes and secondary treatment for manufacturing of ceramic reinforced AMCs. Despite the laudable research efforts that have been made towards development and enhancement of the properties of AMCs, this review work revealed that literature is very sparse on synergetic adoption of multi-synthesis route and multi-approach secondary treatment for producing AMCs. Sequel to the aforementioned unexplored research concept, some lacunae are identified and suggested for further elaborations and study.

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