Mechanical properties of commercial rapid prototyping materials

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to relate to the study of mechanical properties of materials used in rapid prototyping (RP).

Design/methodology/approach

Comparison of mechanical properties of commercial RP materials. The study of the literature was the essential source of obtaining the results necessary to complete the evaluations and to determine the property ranges.

Findings

Specifications of mechanical properties collected in one paper about mechanical properties and anisotropy enable to define limitations for prototype properties.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to accessible data concerning materials from manufacturers’ offers.

Practical implications

The study is particularly useful in the RP methods application.

Originality/value

The obtained study of mechanical properties makes a quick analysis possible. This article also includes the guideline for design engineers, which determines RP method suitability to create functional prototypes of the machines. Mechanical properties of materials have been adopted as a criterion.

Citation

Kotlinski, J. (2014), "Mechanical properties of commercial rapid prototyping materials", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 20 No. 6, pp. 499-510. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-06-2012-0052