Novel Method for Additive Manufacture of Rubber with Exploration in Support Structure and Material Performance

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Date

2017

Authors

Hashiguchi, Sarah Elizabeth

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

3D printing is a rapidly growing additive manufacturing process that offers advantages in customizability, sustainability, cost reduction, precision, and accessibility over traditional processes. The limitation of printable materials, however, is still a major barrier preventing 3D printing moving from creating prototypes to producing final products. My work addresses the need to 3D print with thermosets, specifically focusing on rubber. Initially printing proof of concept tests by hand informed the selection of a 3D printer machine to order for further tests. To showcase this new manufacturing process for rubber, I designed a new insulation material for wetsuits that would not have been possible before. I developed a method to print natural liquid latex by hand, and identified poly(tetrahydrofuran) as a compatible support material. The 3D printer will print rubber alone with minimal difficulties, however introducing support material into the same print has proved much more challenging due to additional complex coding. Moving forward print head obstruction, support material temperature, and gcode adjustments must be addressed to improve the resolution and consistency of the prints.

Description

153 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Product Design and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Spring 2017

Keywords

3D Printing, Additive Manufacturing, Rubber, Natural Latex, Insulation, Wetsuit

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