Sequential Tensile Testing Cartridge for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for structural components produced by additive manufacturing lack the capability for high-throughput evaluation of mechanical properties, making it difficult to assess process variability, structural defects, and material characteristics effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for high-throughput tensile testing of multiple test samples using a sample cartridge system, where each test sample has a free end and an attached end, housed in a cartridge holder, and gripped by a stage assembly that moves to apply and release tensile stress sequentially, allowing for measurement of mechanical properties like elastic modulus, yield strength, and fatigue life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional testing methods are used for structural components, then testing can be performed on individual samples, but the throughput and efficiency of evaluation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test cartridge is segmented into multiple independent test sample positions (e.g., 10 positions) arranged in a compact array. Each position can hold and test a sample independently, allowing parallel preparation and sequential testing without interfering with other samples. This segmentation enables high-throughput testing while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip assembly is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple test sample positions within a single cartridge. The stage assembly can move the cartridge to position different samples sequentially under the grip assembly, allowing one testing mechanism to perform multiple testing operations without requiring separate testing equipment for each sample, thereby increasing throughput while controlling complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple test samples are tested in parallel, then throughput increases, but it becomes difficult to ensure independent and controlled testing conditions for each sample
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into distinct segmented positions, each holding a separate test sample. This physical segmentation ensures that each sample remains independent and isolated from others during the testing process, maintaining controlled testing conditions while enabling high throughput through the ability to quickly transition between segmented positions using the stage assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing process employs periodic action by sequentially testing one sample at a time from the cartridge rather than testing multiple samples simultaneously. The stage assembly moves the cartridge in periodic cycles to bring different sample positions under the grip assembly one after another. This sequential periodic testing ensures each sample receives dedicated attention and controlled conditions while maintaining high overall throughput compared to traditional single-sample testing.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of test samples are tested sequentially one at a time, then testing accuracy is maintained, but the time required for complete evaluation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple test samples are prepared and loaded into the cartridge in advance before the actual testing begins. This preliminary action of pre-positioning samples in the cartridge allows the testing process to proceed efficiently through sequential testing without interruption, maintaining measurement precision while reducing total testing time compared to traditional methods where samples would need to be individually loaded and prepared during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage assembly implements periodic action by automatically cycling through different sample positions in the cartridge at regular intervals. This periodic movement brings each pre-positioned sample under the grip assembly in sequence, enabling rapid sequential testing that maintains the accuracy of individual sample measurement while dramatically reducing the total time required to evaluate all samples compared to manual single-sample testing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates, in part, to an apparatus configured to test a plurality of test samples within a sample cartridge. Such an apparatus can facilitate high-throughput tensile testing of such test samples. Also described herein are methods for using such an apparatus and for testing such test samples.