PLA TESTING
DATA
DATA COLLECTION
The table above shows the data collected during the time of the tensile strength test.  Samples were tested in intervals of two per variable. Sample one and two were baseline samples, three and four were week one samples, five and six were week two samples, seven and eight were week four samples, and nine and ten were week eight samples.
DATA INTERPRETATION
This graph shows the relationship between the extension (mm) of the sample based on the load (N). Each relationship was found for each sample. Week four is an outlier and therefore, may be unreliable. Based on this graph, there seems to be little to no relationship based on the amount of water exposure.
TESTING VIDEO
This clip shows the slow extension placed on the sample until maximum load.
TESTING
DESIGNED SPECIMEN
Using the Autodesk Fusion 360, a sample was created and oriented on the print bed. Using the software and an Ultimaker 2 Extended +, the sample was 3D printed. The specimen specifications are 114.3 x 19.0 x 4.1 mm.
EQUIPMENT USED
The Instron 4301 Compression Tension Tensile Tester was used to test the specimens. The APC lab was used in the College of Applied Technology with the help of Johnathon Francis.
TESTED SAMPLES
These specimens are pictured after testing. The non-elastic material shows the break after being tested. The ten samples contained two of each variant. The samples were composed of a baseline, one water exposure week, two exposure weeks, four exposure weeks, and eight exposure weeks.
TENSILE TEST
A tensile test is used to indicate how the material will react to forces being applied in tension. A tensile test is a fundamental mechanical test where a carefully prepared specimen is loaded in a very controlled manner while measuring the applied load and the elongation of the specimen over some distance.