Characterization and evaluation of a PMMA-based 3D printing process

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to characterize and evaluate a new 3D-printing process based on Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).Design methodology approach - A benchmark part and standard parts were designed, printed by a 3D-printer and characterized.Findings - 3D printed PMMA parts have a tensile strength of 2.91 MPa and a modulus of elasticity of 223 MPa. The mechanical properties can be improved by infiltrations with epoxy (tensile strength: 26.6 MPa, modulus of elasticity: 1,190 MPa). The surface quality of the parts can be improved by infiltration with wax for usage as lost models. The minimum feature size is 0.3 mm.Research limitations implications - The PMMA-based 3D printing process can be used for manufacturing concept models, functional parts and lost models for investment casting.Originality value - This is the first paper investigating a PMMA-based 3D printing process.