Acoustic Emission Analysis on Mode I Delamination Tests of Fused Deposition Modelling Parts

The Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), has become one of the most employed technologies to build complex 3D prototypes directly from a computerized solid model. In this process, the model is built as a layer-by-layer deposition of a feedstock wire. Moreover, the continuous improvements of the FDM technique have allowed to change the main purpose of this technique from rapid prototyping to a rapid manufacturing method. Anyway, the production of end-use parts strongly depends on the full understanding of the relationship between the process parameters and the mechanical behaviour. Consequently, it is fundamental to determine the FDM parts material properties as a function of the service load. The aim of the present work is to study the effect of the extrusion temperature on the inter-layer cohesion properties of FDM printed parts employing a double cantilever beam (DCB) test. According to ASTM D5528, the delamination energy GI will be determined. Moreover, the delamination process will be investigated using acoustic emission technique and, in order to evaluate the crack opening, the whole test will be recorded by using a CCD camera calibrated with a digital grid.