Author

Eric S. Holm

Date of Award

3-24-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Vhance V. Valencia, PhD.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine how varying Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process parameters affect the mechanical properties of PA6 nylon dog-bone specimens produced on the Mark One 3D Printer. A design of experiment (DOE) was conducted using the factors of layer height and raster angle orientation. The mechanical properties measured in the experiment were tensile modulus, yield stress, percent strain at yield, ultimate tensile strength and percent strain at break. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to identify which factors were statistically significant in influencing mechanical properties. Results of the ANOVA showed that layer height was significant in influencing tensile modulus, ultimate tensile strength and percent strain at break; raster angle orientation was significant in influencing tensile modulus, yield stress, percent strain at yield, and percent strain at break. Both tensile modulus and ultimate tensile strength increased with decreasing layer height. The optimal condition that maximizes stiffness and strength is a layer height of 0.1 mm and a (±45) raster angle orientation.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-16-M-159

DTIC Accession Number

AD1054099

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