Caratterizzazione avanzati di componenti realizzati mediante Material Extrusion

This work aims to carry out a detailed investigation into the characterization methods of components made by Material Extrusion (MatEx) process. There are several articles in the literature that analyze the influence of process parameters on mechanical properties of MatEx components. However, traditional characterization methodologies are used, and these are not specifically developed for parts made by Material Extrusion process. Due to the layer-by-layer production mode, these components have some specific characteristics that are difficult to evaluate by classical mechanical characterization tests. Thus, advanced characterization of components made by Material Extrusion process has been conducted. Appropriately designed test methodologies have been developed for the mechanical evaluation of such components. Through these tests, the possibility to evaluate some characteristics of components with a high impact on their mechanical properties has arisen. Investigations on the presence of porosity, inter-laminar adhesion, and the impact of the size of manufactured components on their mechanical properties were conducted. Local characterization tests, tests for laminar structures, and process monitoring were the key tools used to evaluate these properties. The selected process parameters during the printing stage and the manufacturing strategies of the samples have been found to have a very high impact on the mechanical properties of the components. From the analysis of the obtained results, it was determined that careful characterization of components produced by material extrusion was needed, through tests specifically designed for such parts.