Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties: Conventional vs. Additive Manufacturing for Stainless Steel 316L.

This research investigates the tensile strength and microstructural properties of stainless steel 316L, comparing samples fabricated using additive manufacturing (AM) to those produced via conventional manufacturing techniques such as forging and casting using stainless steel 316L for its mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. Tensile tests revealed that AM samples had an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 650 MPa, a yield strength of 550 MPa and an elongation at break of 20%, and conventionally manufactured samples achieved a UTS of 580 MPa, a yield strength of 450 MPa and a higher elongation at break of 35%. The reduced ductility of AM samples is offset by their higher strength.

In Situ Fabrication of TiC/Ti-Matrix Composites by Laser Directed Energy Deposition.

In this study, crack-free TiC/Ti composites with TiC content ranging from 0 to 15 wt.% were successfully fabricated using Direct Energy Deposition with a dual-feeder system that concomitantly delivered different amounts of both constituents into a high-power laser beam. The samples were investigated to evaluate the morphologies and distribution behavior of TiC.

Examining the Flexural Behavior of Thermoformed 3D-Printed Wrist-Hand Orthoses: Role of Material, Infill Density, and Wear Conditions.

This paper examined the mechanical properties of wrist-hand orthoses made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), produced through material extrusion with infill densities of 55% and 80%. These orthoses, commonly prescribed for wrist injuries, were 3D-printed flat and subsequently thermoformed to fit the user's hand. Experimental and numerical analyses assessed their mechanical resistance to flexion after typical wear conditions, including moisture and long-term aging, as well as their moldability.

Contributions to the Dynamic Regime Behavior of a Bionic Leg Prosthesis.

The purpose of prosthetic devices is to reproduce the angular-torque profile of a healthy human during locomotion. A lightweight and energy-efficient joint is capable of decreasing the peak actuator power and/or power consumption per gait cycle, while adequately meeting profile-matching constraints. The aim of this study was to highlight the dynamic characteristics of a bionic leg with electric actuators with rotational movement.

Investigations on the Fatigue Behavior of 3D-Printed and Thermoformed Polylactic Acid Wrist-Hand Orthoses.

Additively manufactured wrist-hand orthoses (3DP-WHOs) offer several advantages over traditional splints and casts, but their development based on a patient's 3D scans currently requires advanced engineering skills, while also recording long manufacturing times as they are commonly built in a vertical position. A proposed alternative involves 3D printing the orthoses as a flat model base and then thermoforming them to fit the patient's forearm. This manufacturing approach is faster, cost-effective and allows easier integration of flexible sensors as an example.