Effect of Grain Size and Layer Thickness on Hardened State Properties in Selective Cement Activation

This article demonstrates the effect of varying the maximum grain size and the layer thickness of the particle bed on hardened state properties in Selective Cement Activation (SCA). The compressive strength and geometry (deviation from nominal geometry, surface roughness) are analyzed. Supplementary investigations (μCT, μRFA) are performed to explain the causes of the observed effects. It is found that the compressive strength of the manufactured specimens increases with decreasing layer thickness. This is attributed to reduced process‐induced segregation of the particle bed and fewer process‐induced voids. The geometric precision as well as the surface roughness of the printed test specimens do not differ significantly. As the grain size increases, the amount of compaction required to achieve the target packing density decreases. The compressive strength was found to increase when the grain size in the specimen is reduced. As the finer particle mixtures tend to have less void formation as a result of water application, an increased density of the specimen can be observed. The lower porosity as well as the smaller pores also have a favorable effect on geometric precision, which tends to increase with reduced grain size. At the same time, a lower surface roughness is also present.