Additive manufactured multi-material structure with directional specific mechanical properties based upon classical lamination theory

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to additive manufacture (AM) the multi-material (MM) structure with directional-specific mechanical properties based on the classical lamination theory of composite materials. Design/methodology/approach The polyjet three-dimensional printing (3DP) process is used to fabricate the MM structure with directional-specific mechanical properties. MMs within a layer are positioned and oriented based on the classical lamination theory to achieve directional-specific properties. Mechanical behavior of the AM structure was examined under various loading conditions to justify the directional-specific properties. Findings With MM processing capabilities of the polyjet 3DP machine, AM MM structures with directional-specific mechanical properties were fabricated. From experimentation, it was observed that the AM MM structure with a quasi-isotropic laminate has superior tensile and flexural strength, and the AM MM structure with an angle ply laminate has superior shear strength. Various mechanical properties determined through testing will be useful for the selection of an appropriate layup arrangement within a structure for appropriate loading conditions. Originality/value This study presents the innovative methodology for the fabrication of AM MM structures with tailor-made mechanical properties. The developed methodology paves way for using the polyjet 3DP MM structure for applications such as the complaint mechanism, snap fits and thin features, which require directional-specific properties.