Anisotropic mechanical properties of Selective Laser Sintered starch-based food

The characteristic layer-by-layer structure of a Selective Laser Sintered food product inherently results in anisotropic mechanical properties which depend on the laser sintering parameters. Tailoring these by printing process enables customization. behavior and microstructure printed starch-based were characterized means uniaxial compression testing Computed Tomography. Two directions considered: build direction principal in-plane direction. By increasing area energy density from 14 J/cm2 to 82 J/cm2, stiffness was more than tripled, whereas remained unaffected fracture stress doubled. Moreover ductility decreased. These effects are combination change microstructure, with average relative ranging 42% 50%, local properties. In-situ tests revealed heterogeneous crack propagation material.