Rheological characterization of complex fluids through a table-top 3D printer

Abstract 3D printing is changing the way we conceive, design, and build objects in mechanical, biomedical, aerospace, construction, automotive maritime industries. In current work, nonlinear rheological behaviour of polymer melts measured through a table-top printer (3D RheoPrinter) that, smartly modified, allows inline investigation viscosity, extrudate swell melt fracture. By using piezoresistive mini-transducer, innovative system designed to be applicable all Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printers by simple cost-effective modification state-of-art nozzle. The measurements are compared with traditional, rotational rheology. Two biodegradable polymers, i.e. polylactic acid polycaprolactone, investigated as model systems test RheoPrinter. results shear viscosity first normal stress difference coefficient, function rate, show good agreement between RheoPrinter rheometer an error about 6 % for confidence interval 96 . Moreover, can still used printer. last part this it presented building structures which controllable resolution means information such swell. vision work that characterization, possible developed RheoPrinter, enable automatic process optimization quality assurance community. social scientific impacts maximized cost-efficiency simplicity design makes within reach general public. opens experimentation broad audience offers important insights bring FDM next level resolution.