Utilization of Lattice Structures for Increased Interface Strength in Overmolded Silicone and Additively Manufactured Parts
Open Access
- Author:
- Ryan, Lauren
- Graduate Program:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Degree:
- Master of Science
- Document Type:
- Master Thesis
- Date of Defense:
- March 26, 2020
- Committee Members:
- Jessica Dolores Menold, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Nicholas Alexander Meisel, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Karen Ann Thole, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- additive manufacturing
3D printing
material extrusion
silicone
overmolded silicone
lattice
gyroid
octet
body-centered cubic
interface design
tensile testing
mechanical bond - Abstract:
- This research explores the use of complex lattice patterns to improve interface strength of silicone overmolded parts through additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing offers the ability to create more complex geometries than is possible through traditional manufacturing methods including various complex lattice structures. This experiment explored the use of body-centered cubic, octet, and gyroid lattice structures being applied to the interface of a silicone overmolded sample. Silicone is a common material used across industries for its desirable properties, but it requires a strong mechanical bond with other materials due to its weak chemical adherence. An experiment was designed to examine the performance of three common complex lattice structures with either a consistent thickness of 3mm or a thickness with a gradation from 3mm to 1.5mm manufactured using material extrusion of PLA. The silicone overmolded PLA specimens were then tested until failure (complete separation between the TOP and BOTTOM AM sections). The data was recorded and compared across all the lattice structures. The maximum force and displacement at breaking were reviewed for statistical significance between the patterns, gradation and interactions. A two-way ANCOVA showed that pattern, gradation, and the interactions had statistically significant impact on the maximum force measurements. A two way ANOVA showed that pattern, gradation, and the interactions had statistically significant impact on the displacement at breaking measurements.