Orthotropic Mechanical Behavior of 3D Printed Ceramics: Experimental Analysis and Testing

3D printing with clay using Liquid Deposition Modelling has garnered significant attention, particularly in the construction industry, for fabricating ceramic and non-sintered elements. While previous studies have investigated the mechanical properties of 3D-printed ceramics, a comprehensive characterization of this material as a composite-like structure exhibiting orthotropic behavior, induced by the printing process, is still lacking. Such characterization is essential for developing finite element models to simulate the behavior of complex surfaces printed with parallel traces. To address this gap, clay specimens were 3D-printed with varying trace orientations, sintered at 980°C, and tested for flexural and compressive strength in the X, Y, and Z directions using three-point bending and compression tests. Ultrasonic testing was also conducted to evaluate its potential for determining mechanical properties and structural integrity. This study provides foundational insights into the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed ceramics, paving the way for further advancements in their applications.