Method used to fabricate test samples

A Solidoodle 3 printer was used to produce the test specimens. An aftermarket glass build plate was installed on the device, though this is in line with manufacturers recommendations. The fabrication method is outlined below:

• Filament kept in airtight container with desiccant sachets prior to use; kept in plastic bag with desiccant sachets during use.
• Filament measured at 10 locations along the cord to find the average filament diameter.
• Printer calibrated as per Solidoodle recommendations, print bed levelled and filament loaded.
• 'ABS Glue' painted in a thin layer on to print bed to ensure specimen-to-bed adhesion.
• Repetier-Host software used to send data to printer.
• Print bed heated to 70 degrees C, ABS glue allowed to dry.
• Extruder heated to 210C. Extrusion chamber pressure allowed to reach approximately ambient pressure by waiting for excess material to ooze from nozzle.
• OGCode-generated g-code loaded into control software.
• Control software relays g-code to printer, fabricating the part.
• Print bed heating turned off, allowing component to reach ambient temperature.
• After ambient temperature is reached, component is carefully removed.