Session: 03-12-01: Testing and Characterization

Paper Number: 122420

122420 - Correlation of Ultem 9085 Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties 

ULTEM 9085 is a high strength thermoplastic that is certified by the FAA for additive manufactured parts. The National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) at the Wichita State University performed extensive testing of ULTEM 9085. The initial testing was the first polymer based additive manufacturing (PBAM) material qualification conducted. The qualification data includes mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural loading as well as physical & chemical properties such as flammability and moisture loss. The goal of this study is to analyze the NCAMP database to find new correlations between process parameters as well as to confirm previously known correlations. The newly found correlations will expand the understanding of the mechanical properities of high strength thermoplastics, especially ULTEM 9085. This increase in mechanical understanding of fused deposition modeled components will allow for quicker adoption of these materials for industrial applications. These insights will also allow for manufacturers to produce parts with more consistent properties. The first step of this project entailed the statistical analysis of the NCAMP database. Inconsistent physical properties and tensile performance based on specimen orientation were explored with the intent of further testing in other areas of the qualification. Future testing steps include the test of new geometric coupons for shear an other mechanical testing.

Presenting Author: Seth O'Brien Oregon State University

Presenting Author Biography: Seth O’Brien graduated in March 2022 from Oregon State University with a BS in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. During his undergrad at OSU Seth completed several co-op internships with Lam Research and PCC Structurals. He decided to return to OSU to pursue a MS in Mechanical Engineering as a Graduate Research Assistant working in the Prototype Development Lab headed by Dr. John Parmigiani. His current projects include the design and manufacturing of children’s gardening tools for Rootopia and the analysis of ULTEM 9085 partnered with the FAA and Stratasys. His first gardening tool, Binder Dibble, has been distributed to over 6,000 students across Oregon and is currently in the patent process.