Filament Test Pieces

myminifactory

To thoroughly evaluate the performance of a filament I have designed several models for printing in addition to existing ones already available on Thingiverse. Only my own models are being uploaded here with links provided to the other models used. My goal is to start sharing more information about the filaments I use and what makes them unique. To achieve this, I've created 5 material properties tests and 5 geometric tests that help refine print settings and showcase each filament's distinct characteristics. All prints are made using two perimeters and a 25% infill except for the stiffness model which is printed with two perimeters and an 80% infill. MATERIAL PROPERTIES TESTS (5) Layer Adhesion - A split model is printed upright on the build plate. The force is measured while pulling until failure to determine layer adhesion. Yield Strength - A split model is printed on its side on the build plate. Force is measured while pulling until failure to measure yield strength. Stiffness - The stiffness model is held firmly in a vice and force vs angle displacement is measured to assess stiffness. Thermal Stability - A thermal model loaded with tension has a heater cartridge positioned in the middle. Temperature is maintained for two minutes before measuring stretch before increasing temperature by an additional five degrees. Impact Resistance - A benchy model is struck with airsoft pellets weighing 0.25 grams at 400 feet per second to test impact resistance. http://bit.ly/2hdA9Ev GEOMETRY TESTS (5) Bridging - Make's bridge model tests a material's ability to stretch and ensures proper bridging settings by checking if the material can handle stretching without breaking. Small Feature - Make's Magazine fine positive feature model is a retraction stress test that checks retraction and temperature settings by printing small features. Overhang - Make's overhang model pushes the limits of any 3D printer with varying angles of an unsupported beam. A material that easily warps will not pass this test. Benchy - The Benchy model tests print quality, detail, and overall performance. Cellular Lamp - When scaled down to 75%, this is a challenging print that demands filament that does not warp, many retractions, lots of small features, and everything being an overhang. This is the ultimate stress test.