INFLUENCE OF AIR GAPS ON THE STRENGTH AND BEHAVIOR OF POLYCARBONATE IN FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING

Abstract

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is widely applied in producing thermoplastic parts of complicated geometry and very effective in small lots. It is well understood that the strength of the product is determined by the strength of the bonding in layer and between layers. This paper presents an experimental research to analyze the influence of air gaps on the strength and behavior of PC produced by FDM through tensile and compressive tests in directions of bonding. A change in air gap was evident to cause a modification of the material resulting in changes of the strength and behavior of the model.