Finite element analysis of 3D printed model via compression tests

3D Printing has grown tremendously over the past few years and continues to do so as the industry grows with new technologies. 3D Printing makes design easier and allows engineers to create prototypes and mock-ups of these designs faster than ever before. Edits can be made in hours rather than days and best of all, it can be done on the desktop, rather than on the factory floor. The question of replaceability of conventional manufacturing technologies with 3D prints, and the accuracy of finite element analysis on a 3D printed-like model is the focus of this study. This study conducted an FEA of some simple structures and compared results of the simulations to that of lab tests on 3D printed parts. Sample specimens in the shape of a block, 25 mm x 25 mm x 25 mm in diameter is designed using Autodesk Inventor 2018 and tested in a simulation environment of Autodesk Inventor to gain insight into the responses of these objects under compressive loads. The same designed 3D objects are then printed using a 3D printer out of several different materials and infills. These objects are exposed to the same external forces applied in the FEA with strain gauges used to measure the response and thus providing a comparison with the FEA. The results of these tests are analysed and presented herein.