Material Jetting: Exploration on mixtures of solid and liquid for shock absorption

Abstract

This research project delves into the potentials of material jetting printing through an exploration of voxel printing techniques that integrate solids and liquids. The focus centers on assessing the shock absorption (SA) capabilities of diverse samples incorporating varying materials and printing patterns. The key materials employed in this investigation comprise Agilus, a flexible substance, and Veroclear, a rigid material. The project advances through multiple phases, commencing with an extensive literature review and culminating in the successful fabrication of a range of varied samples.

The research objectives encompass two main aspects. Firstly, the goal is to generate a series of test samples characterized by distinct attributes, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of their shock absorption abilities. This entails manipulating factors like material composition and printing patterns to yield a diverse array of samples. Secondly, leveraging the test outcomes, the aim is to conceptualize a product that effectively demonstrates the potential of material printing technology. This product will exemplify optimized shock absorption characteristics, serving as a tangible illustration of the technology’s possible applications. In this design process, the diverse assortment of test samples and their individual traits are considered, leveraging these findings to craft an inventive and practical wearable product.

The realization of these objectives initiates with an understanding of a material printing apparatus equipped for voxel printing. Thorough research is undertaken to amass pertinent information concerning voxel printing methods, material attributes, and shock absorption principles. Armed with a solid knowledge foundation, the project progresses to the printing phase, wherein an array of samples is produced employing rigid, flexible, and liquid materials. Meticulous attention is dedicated to selecting printing patterns, enabling a comprehensive exploration of the impact of different geometries on shock absorption.

The subsequent stage encompasses subjecting the printed samples to controlled shock tests. This examination aims to discern patterns, correlations, and trends that can inform future design choices. Drawing from these findings, a proposal outlining future projects capitalizing on voxel printing technology is formulated. This proposal takes the form of a conceptual project designed to effectively showcase the material’s capabilities. Ultimately, this research endeavors to stimulate the development of ingenious and efficacious applications of voxel printing, thereby contributing to the advancement of materials engineering and product design domains, exemplified through a conceptual wearable product that serves as a reference for the potential utilization of the technology.