The Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Geometric Accuracy in Specimens Printed in Material Jetting Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze polymer materials based on mechanical properties and geometrical parameters, such as the smallest material deviations and the best printing texture after three-dimensional (3D) printing in two methods of Material Jetting technology: PolyJet and MultiJet. This study covers checks for Vero Plus, Rigur, Durus, ABS, and VisiJet M2R-WT materials. Thirty flat specimens were printed both for 0 and 90 raster orientations. Specimen scans were superimposed on the 3D model from CAD software. Each of them was tested, paying attention to the accuracy and the layer thickness effect of printed components. Then, all specimens were subjected to tensile tests. The obtained data—Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio—were compared using statistical methods, focusing on the two most important parameters: the isotropy of the printed material in two directions and the characteristics close to linear. It was found that unitary surface deviation with general dimensional accuracy equal to ±0.1 mm was the common feature of printed models. Some small areas had lower accuracy depending on the material and printer device. Rigur material obtained the highest mechanical properties. Dimensional accuracy in Material Jetting technology as a function of layer parameters such as layer thickness and raster orientation was checked. The materials were checked in terms of relative isotropy and linearity. Additionally, similarities and differences between PolyJet and MultiJet methods were covered.

Advances and Applications of Three-Dimensional-Printed Patient-Specific Chest Phantoms in Radiology: A Systematic Review

“…VisiJet EX200 (Multi-Jet) Very tough and durable [65] Transparent-allows visualisation of internal structures [66] High resolution-enables smooth curves or sharp edges [67] Biocompatible [68] May cause skin irritation [69] Slight odour [69] Requires supporting material for overhanging structures [64] Expensive printer [37] Gypsum Powder (Binder Jetting) Low cost and accessible [70] High Density of 1.57 g/cm 3 , gives radiodensities between 372 and 995 HU, similar to bone [10,36] Low strength [70] Porous [70] PMMA (FDM) Transparent-allows visualisation of internal structures [71] Strong and durable [71] Resistance to UV and other weather exposures [71] Density of 1.12 g/cm 3 [10]. Suitable radiodensity for glandular tissue at ~95 HU [35] Shrinks and warps without a heated printing bed [71] Harmful gasses emitted during printing-requires good ventilation [71] Silicone of the FlexFoam-IT series (casting) [72] Expandable and durable, suitable densities for representing skin and lung parenchyma according to expansion factor [39] Silicone of the FlexFoam-IT series has short curing time of less than 2 h [34].…”