The Effect of Build Orientation on the Mechanical Properties of a Variety of Polymer AM-Created Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures

Abstract This research aimed to determine how different pattern types (TPMS) and build orientations affected the mechanical properties of test specimens made with masked stereolithography (MSLA) and a commercially available gray resin. Moreover, the study aimed to determine the best TPMS pattern type and build orientation to enhance both UTS and elongation at break. For the purpose of experimental assessment of their tensile qualities, samples of the Gyroid lattice, Schwarz Primitive lattice, and Schwarz Diamond lattice structures were 3D printed using SLA technology. The results of producing on the on edge, upright and flat orientations of a building were compared. The results showed that across all three building orientations, the D-shaped component produced the highest UTS and the P-shaped component produced the largest elongation. It's apparent that the upright position produced the smallest UTS. When comparing the UTS and elongation at break between the flat and on-edge constructed orientations, it is clear that the former is lower.