The design and development of a laboratory for three-point bending tests on 3D printed samples.

The design and development of a laboratory for three-point bending tests on 3D-printed samplesThe aim of this lab is to enable students to conduct three-point bending tests in adherence to the ASTM D790 standard, with the goal of characterizing the flexural properties, including strength, modulus, ductility, and toughness, of 3D printed polymer specimens.The experimental process encompasses several stages.Initially, students are tasked with the creation of 3D models, followed by the utilization of the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method to fabricate samples using diverse polymer materials.Subsequently, adjustments to the span-to-depth ratio and cross-head motion rate are essential to ensure precise execution of the flexural tests, conducted on a motorized force test stand.The data acquisition system records load and deflection values, which are then employed for calculating stress and strain, adhering to the ASTM D790 standard.Finally, stressstrain curves are constructed using the calculated stress and strain values for each polymer material, thereby enabling the comprehensive assessment of flexural properties across different polymer types.This new laboratory setup not only fosters hands-on learning but also provides invaluable insights into the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed polymer samples.