3D printing polyurethane acrylate(PUA) based elastomer and its mechanical behavior

Abstract

LCD 3D printing, also known as light during 3D printing or photopolymer 3D printing, is a type of additive manufacturing technology that uses light-sensitive resin to create three-dimensional objects. This technology has gained popularity in recent years owing to its ability to create high-resolution, detailed objects with a wide range of materials, including shape-memory polymers, toughness resins, and elastomers. Elastomers are a type of polymer material that has the ability to stretch and deform under an applied force, but return to their original shape when the force is removed. The superior deformation recovery rate contributes to elastomer use in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods. In this study, we developed a UV-curable polyurethane acrylate(PUA) elastomer with an elongation of 100-200%. Using LCD 3D printing, we were able to fabricate Triply periodic minimal surface(TPMS) lattice structures with this elastomer investigated the compressive behavior of TPMS structures with different compressive ratios of 20%-50%. Our results demonstrate that this approach enables the creation of flexible energy-absorbing structures under cyclic loading. This study highlights the potential of LCD 3D printing technology for the production of elastomeric materials with tunable mechanical properties.

Designing for strength: enhancing mechanical performance through structured patterns in 3D printed elastomer

“…Recent advancements in 3D printing technology have enabled the fabrication of complex structures with precise control over geometry and internal architecture, providing precise control over geometry and internal architecture [9][10][11]. However, there is still room for improvement in special structural designs, such as lattice structure, minimal surface auextical structure, as well as mechanical properties, including toughness and compressive strength [12][13][14].…”