ABSTRACT
The introduction of 3D printing techniques allows for complex lattice structures to be made with significant design tailorability, which is favourable to develop maintainable and lightweight transportation. The modern demand for lightweight structures can be attained by advanced processing and utilisation of sustainable materials. Composite thermoplastic lattice structures have become an exciting field of interest due to its recyclability and potential for tailorable manufacturing capability. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the compressive response of 3D printed thermoplastic lattice structures. 3D power-bed fusion additive manufacturing technology was employed to manufacture lattice specimens with carbon fibre reinforced Nylon 12. Quasi-static and dynamic compression tests were conducted on the lattice structures to analyse their failure mechanism and compressive response. It is demonstrated from the experimental results that the load-bearing capacity of lattice structures reduces by 74% when the effective strain rate increases from 3×10−4 to 135s−1. The tests exhibited that elevated temperature of 100°C reduces the load-bearing capacity of the polymer lattice structure up to 70%. The temperature effects were also evident in the decrease of energy absorption of up to 42% due to the thermal softening of thermoplastic material.
