Supports effect on tensile strength of the stereolithography parts

Rapid Prototyping Journal, Volume 21, Issue 1, January 2015.
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of the supports on tensile strength of stereolithography parts. Design/methodology/approach The shape of specimens (tensile specimens) is according to ASTM D638 standard. Some parts have support trace on one side and some parts have support trace on both side. To achieve this target some parts are fabricated on another parts, therefore support of the upper part is fabricated on upper face of lower part. Findings Influences of supports traces on mechanical properties aren’t “zero”. Supports affect on tensile strength of stereolithography parts by affecting on surface roughness of parts. After experimentation and analyzing of experimental results it is concluded that the tensile strength of the parts which have support on both side is slightly smaller than the parts which have support just on one side. Originality/value This is the first attempt towards investigation of supports effects on the mechanical properties in Stereolithography parts.