Study of the Mechanical Properties of Lightweight Onyx Structures

Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing is a widely used 3D printing process involving depositing molten thermoplastic materials layer by layer to create a 3D object. Combining material extrusion with composites creates strong, lightweight, and functional parts with unique properties. This study investigates the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of Onyx, a high-performance nylon-based material with chopped carbon fiber reinforcement. The study includes an analysis of the material's thermal properties via Differential Scanning Calorimetry and its flow behavior via rotational rheometry. Additionally, the study evaluates the material's mechanical properties under different loading conditions and infill patterns using tensile and flexural tests. The results show that the mechanical properties of Onyx are highly dependent on the type and strategy of infill design. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of Onyx material's properties, which will help optimize its performance for various applications.