abstract
- This paper addresses the challenge of understanding how to leverage the orientation-dependent mechanical behavior of elastomeric materials fabricated by additive manufacturing. Although additive manufacturing technologies have advanced significantly, comprehensive studies on how printing orientation influences tensile behavior and Poisson¿s ratio in elastomers are still limited. This lack of insight can hinder the effective mechanical design of components that exploit the anisotropic nature of these materials. In this work, we investigate the relationship between printing orientation and mechanical properties, specifically elastic modulus and Poisson¿s ratio, using experimental testing. Digital image correlation (DIC) was used to obtain high-resolution strain measurements during uniaxial tensile tests on specimens printed at various orientations. The results demonstrate that different printing orientations have a significant impact on tensile strength and stiffness. The tensile modulus decreased from 2.67 MPa at 0° to 2.18 MPa at 90°, with accompanying variations in the Poisson¿s ratio. This pronounced anisotropy underscores the importance of considering both the tensile properties and the Poisson¿s ratio when designing additively manufactured elastomeric components for performance-critical applications. These insights are particularly relevant for the development of soft robotic actuators and damping systems, where the directional mechanical response plays a key functional role.