Anisotropic damage inferred to 3D printed polymers using fused deposition modelling and subject to severe compression

This work points out the role of process induced anisotropy on damage development in 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer subject to severe compression. Blocks of dense ABS are printed using fusion deposition modelling. Severe compression conditions are attempted to highlight anisotropy induced by printing under different building orientations. X-ray micro-tomography and finite element computation are used to interpret damage occurring during loading. Results show significant inter-filament debonding that occurs during loading due to lateral expansion. Overall behaviour reveals contrasted damage in the plasticity stage, which depends on printing orientation. X-ray micro-tomography suggests also varied magnitudes of shearing, which are responsible for modulation of damage occurring during the irreversible straining. Finite element results show the prevailing role of pore opening in triggering the damage extension under compression. This study concludes that careful analysis of printing orientation with regards to compression needs to be performed to optimise in-service properties of printed ABS polymer. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.