Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation of Stiffness Properties of Fused Deposition Modeling Parts

An experimental and theoretical investigation of mechanical properties of the ULTEM 9085 FDM printed unidirectional parts was performed. The mechanical property prediction was performed based on three-dimensional homogenization methodology and did not involve any empirical coefficients. The only calibrated parameter was the insitu elastic modulus of the FDM roads. The influence of the shape of the air gap between the roads was investigated. Best agreement for the predicted and measured transverse modulus was achieved for the equilateral shape of the gap. Good agreement also was observed for shear modulus.