Evaluation of polymeric 3D printed adhesively bonded joints: effect of joint morphology and mechanical interlocking

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate and exploit the combination additive manufacturing polymeric technology structural adhesives. main advantage expand maximum dimension 3D printed parts, which typically limited, by joining parts with adhesive, without losing strength stiffness keeping major asset 3 D printing: freedom shape system low cost parts. Design/methodology/approach materials used in are following. adhesive considered a commercial inexpensive acrylic, quite similar superglue, applicable almost no surface preparation fast curing, as time constraint one key problems that affects industrial applications. were acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), obtained Fortus 250mc FDM machine, from Stratasys. work first compares flat overlap joint joints designed permit mechanical interlocking adherends then monolithic component same geometry. Single lap, joggle lap double configurations experimentally characterized following design experiment approach. Findings results show failure substrate, due for batch typical bonded configurations, single lap. central area, an increased global thickness, never does fail, able transfer load both interlocking. An additional set scarf was also tested promote well retrieve application. shows bonding AM express its full potential compared solution even though fails prematurely adherend bending stresses notches present joints. Research limitations/implications Because material adopted, may be generalized only when elastic properties similar, so it not possible extend findings metallic manufactured components. Practical implications adhesives feasible way potentiality equipment obtain larger equivalent properties. joint, first, can extract information about strength, useful designers have combine Originality/value To best researchers’ knowledge, there scarce quantitative technical literature performance provides insight on interesting subject. This manuscript using rapid prototyping techniques fully capability create large cost-effective