Characterization of 3D Printed Cellular Structures Based on Hollow Spherical Cells

This study investigates the compressive mechanical properties of 3D printed cellular structures based on hollow spherical cells. Utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with polylactic acid (PLA), we fabricated structures with four distinct architectures featuring square-hexagonal stacking and open-closed porosity variations. Each architecture was printed with four different wall thicknesses (0.8 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.2 mm) to analyze the influence of geometric parameters on mechanical performance. Young’s modulus of the material was evaluated through a series of carefully controlled quasi-static compression tests, yield strength, and overall stress-strain behavior. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of mechanical properties on the relative density of the structures, which is influenced by both cell morphology and wall thickness. Hexagonal stacking with open porosity and thicker walls exhibited superior strength and stiffness compared to other configurations. The experimental findings align well with the Gibson-Ashby model for cellular structures, confirming the role of relative density in dictating mechanical behavior. This research provides valuable in-sights for the design and fabrication of 3D printed cellular structures with tailored properties for various engineering applications, including tissue engineering and lightweight structural components.