Significance and Use
4.1 As noted in many of the standards in Section 2, there are multiple factors that may influence the reported properties, including material choice, material anisotropy, methods of material storage and preparation, porosity, methods of specimen storage and preparation, orientation and specimen build plate location during fabrication, testing environment, specimen alignment and gripping during testing, testing speed, and testing temperature. These factors should be recorded according to Practice F2971 and the guidelines of the referenced standards. This guide is intended to inform users of best practices for static mechanical testing of additive manufactured polymer specimens fabricated using material extrusion (MEX).
Scope
1.1 This guide covers existing standards or variations of existing standards that may be applicable to determine specific static mechanical properties of polymeric specimens fabricated with the material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) process. The test methods covered within this document are recommendations supplied coming from the experience previous material qualification programs have provided. Additional test methods may be considered as well depending when evaluating material performance for specific applications. Recommendations for material handling prior to testing and characterization are included as they can greatly affect material properties. It is for the end user to determine if the recommended tests adequately evaluate the material performance for the intended application.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
