Investigate Methods to Increase the Usefulness of Stereolithography 3D Printed Objects by Adding Carbon Nanotubes to Photo-Curable Resins

Abstract

This paper aims to inform the reader about the aspects of compositing carbon nanotubes in photo curable resin that is commonly used in stereo lithography 3D printers. The focus is to increase the strength of the resin to allow for a greater range of objects to be printed with SLA printers. The paper will look at the different types of carbon nanotubes that can be used, what weight percent of nanotubes in resin will most likely work best in a printing environment based on surface hardness and cure time, and comparative destructive testing. It was shown with a small sample size that the carbon nanotubes composite had lower strength but greater toughness over pure neat resin.