Comparison of Strength Properties of Common Powder Bed Fusion and Stereolithography Materials

Abstract

This paper serves as basis for subsequent studies investigating a potential material and manufacturing method selection for producing lattice structures to be used as energy absorption device, such as in novel wearable protective gear. Four additively manufactured plastics from two additive manufacturing methods are examined in detail. Polyamide 12 specimens produced on two Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) machines are compared against specimens produced on a stereolithography (SLA) printer using a standard and an engineering-grade resin. A comprehensive analysis of their mechanical properties is presented by measuring their densities as well as tensile, fatigue, and impact properties. In addition, Poisson’s ratio of the resin materials is estimated using Digital Image Correlation (DIC).