I understand the different parameters and print settings that would possibly be done but the testing should be the same as 1MPa doesn't change from machine to machine, right?
If that is correct than the only thing I take from this is that Rep Rap sucks! hahaha
If the print speed and actual (not set) temp were the same between machines, then it should be the same. But you would want to use the same parameters. I don't see how you could replicate Makerbot or Zortrax infill or other parameters using some other software.
It's an incredibly tricky problem because part strength is affected by MANY different parameters (like what rsilvers said). Even limiting it down to one person using one machine with the exact same settings doesn't work since what works for material A may not be the best for material B. Really, the only way to say 'this material is better' is to continue tweaking settings for A until you get the strongest part possible and then do the same for B.
Nonetheless, it is possible to draw broad yet useful generalizations. There are many variations between trees of the same species, but it's pretty safe to say that oak is generally harder and stronger than pine, based on "typical" samples. By the same token I believe it's valid and useful to say that X printing filament is generally stronger (in whatever dimension is being discussed) than Y filament, with the assumption that good printing practices and the proper printing parameters are used for each.
I understand the different parameters and print settings that would possibly be done but the testing should be the same as 1MPa doesn't change from machine to machine, right?
If that is correct than the only thing I take from this is that Rep Rap sucks! hahaha
I think you should be more respectful to RepRap community ant their work. I still run over RepRap site, RichRap blog and RepRap Magazine from time to time and some good stuff can be seen there. There would also be no Zortrax and their goods without RepRap because founding members of Z-Team had been developing and selling RepRaps for years before they started working on Zortrax project.
What I don't like are companies that put RepRap in nice enclosure and sell it as "revolutionary new product".
That is my opinion. Don't find it offensive. ;)
I think you should be more respectful to RepRap community ant their work. I still run over RepRap site, RichRap blog and RepRap Magazine from time to time and some good stuff can be seen there. There would also be no Zortrax and their goods without RepRap because founding members of Z-Team had been developing and selling RepRaps for a years before they started working on Zortrax project.
What I don’t like are companies that put RepRap in nice enclosure and sell it as “revolutionary new product”.
That is my opinion. Don’t find it offensive.
My bad. I guess I should’ve said that If the MPa is the same and the tests should be comparable depending on the infill and parameters, then RepRap is “inferior” lol.
No offense taken nor given. I just mis worded and my meaning didn’t come across as I wanted it to.
All good.
Cheers.
Its always great to get objective data. Thank you for taking the time to post that info.
I saw a study someone did that compared strength for different layer thicknesses, speeds, fill densities and maybe one or two other parameters for Makerbot prints. The number of tests grows exponentially with the number of parameters tested so it would be useful to determine what types of prints that require strength are most common then test different settings and materials in those configurations.
This test only looks at the best case scenario for a FFF printer... relatively low shear between layers. Most parts have a combination of shear, tensile and compressive loads. Does anyone know of any testing that has tested all three for any FFF printer?
Thanks for sharing the results of this test.
I think that it would be also very useful a test in which the printer z-axis is aligned to the longitudinal axis of the test specimen. I think that, in practice, the inter-layer bond resistence is the most restrictive parameter.
A piece printed with FDM technology is presumably very anisotropic, and it is not always possible to align the z-axis with the lowest tensile stress direction
That sounds like an amazing experience! It’s fantastic that you had the opportunity to meet the LabTim team at the trade fair and test the tensile strength of your prints on a professional machine. The results you shared look impressive, and the pictures are great too! It’s always satisfying to see your hard work pay off. And it’s awesome to hear that Z-ULTRAT is working well for you. Keep up the excellent work! 
