Elongation at break in 3D printing materials

Elongation at break refers to the percentage of the elongation length of a material before it breaks when subjected to tension to its original length. In 3D printing materials, elongation at break is a key parameter that not only reflects the ductility of the material, but also affects the strength and reliability of the printed parts. Materials with high elongation usually have better toughness and can deform without breaking when subjected to load. This is particularly important for many application scenarios. For example, when manufacturing parts that need to withstand impact and pressure (such as automotive parts and industrial equipment), choosing materials with high elongation can greatly improve the safety and reliability of the product.

Source: https://omnexus.specialchem.com/polymer-property/elongation-at-break

Measurement method

1. Fixed multiple measurement (proportional specimen): This method usually uses a ratio to define the gauge length and diameter of the sample. For example, A5 means that the original gauge length of the sample is 5:1, and A10 is 10:1. Such measurements can ensure comparability between different samples.

2. Fixed gauge length measurement (non-proportional specimen): This method uses a fixed gauge length for testing. For example, A50 means that the original gauge length of the sample is 50mm, and the same applies to A80 and A100. The fixed gauge length method is applicable to samples of various shapes and sizes, making the measurement results more consistent.

These different measurement methods can help us more accurately evaluate the performance of different materials and select the right materials to meet specific needs.

Calculation formula

The formula for calculating the elongation at break is:

δ_h=(L_h−L₀)/L₀×100%

L₀: The gauge length before the specimen is deformed.

L_h: The gauge length after the fracture is re-aligned.

For example, if a PAF nylon specimen has an initial length of 10CM and breaks when stretched to 13.5CM, its elongation at break is 35%.

Usually, materials with δ≥5% are called plastic materials, such as low-carbon steel, aluminum and copper (under static loading at room temperature); and materials with δ≤5% are called brittle materials, such as cast iron, glass and ceramics (under static loading at room temperature). The elongation index indicates the ductility of the material. The greater the elongation and shrinkage, the more conducive it is to force.

Mechanical Properties of JLC3DP Materials

In the JLC3DP Help Center, you can find the elongation at break and other specific parameters of each material, so that users can choose the right material according to the specific project requirements. Understanding the elongation at break of different materials can help optimize the design, avoid printing risks, and improve the performance of the final product.