Filament Tests Pieces

thingiverse

To thoroughly evaluate the performance of a custom filament, I have designed several models to be printed alongside existing ones available on Thingiverse. My goal is to share detailed information about the filaments used and their unique characteristics. To achieve this, I've developed five material properties tests and five geometric tests that help refine print settings and highlight each filament's distinct features. A YouTube video detailing my testing process can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/HXfd5Z5Z8zg All prints are executed with 2 perimeters and 25% infill, except for the stiffness model, which is printed with 2 perimeters and 80% infill. MATERIAL PROPERTIES TESTS: Layer Adhesion - A split model is printed upright (T on buildplate), then subjected to a force test until failure. Yield Strength - A split model is printed horizontally (Yield on buildplate) and tested for yield strength by measuring the force required to cause it to fail. Stiffness - The stiffness model is gripped with a vice, and its displacement is measured in response to varying forces. Thermal Stability - The thermal model is loaded in tension with a heater cartridge at its center. After maintaining a steady temperature for 2 minutes, the amount of stretch is measured before increasing the temperature by an additional 5 degrees. Impact Resistance - A Benchy model is subjected to .25 gram airsoft pellets fired at 400 fps (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:763622). GEOMETRY TESTS: Bridging - Make's bridge model serves as a valuable test for assessing a material's ability to stretch and ensuring optimal bridging settings. Small Feature - The Make's Magazine fine positive feature model is a retraction stress test that evaluates retraction and temperature settings (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:533472/#files). Overhang - Make's overhang model pushes the limits of any 3D printer, featuring varying angles of unsupported beams. Materials prone to warping will not pass this test (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:533472/#files). Benchy - This is a classic print that can be used for testing purposes (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:763622). Cellular Lamp - When scaled down to 75%, this model is an extremely challenging print that demands filament with excellent warp resistance, numerous retractions, and intricate features. It serves as the ultimate stress test (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:19104).