Evaluation of mechanical properties of alluminium filled epoxy compound for rapid tooling applications

In this study, the mechanical properties and microstructure inspection for aluminium filled epoxy including hardness, dimension accuracy, density, compressive test, fracture analysis were evaluated . An investigation measurement for the grain size on the three different temperature was carried out. Result shows that the grain size or G number microstructure for aluminium filled epoxy having a different size and distribution was corresponding with increase in temperature. In term of dimensional accuracy inspection, aluminium filled epoxy tends to have shrinkage experience with rate of 0.05% to 0.06% for round part while 0.15% for pin .The compressive strength shows a better trend during cooling in ambient temperature compared to cooling in an oven. In term of density, there was no significant effect to the hardness when tested with Vickers Hardness Tester , Barcol Impresser and Shore D Durometer . The parameter design mixing and curing for aluminium filled epoxy using Taguchi Method which based on larger is better is optimized .Four control factors are investigated in the study: pre curing time, degassing time, Interval time curing and maximum curing time. The response plot of the control factor shows factor A2 (pre curing at 50oC), B2 (degassing time at 45 minute) C3 (interval curing at 14 hour) D2 (maximum curing at (165oC) and factor A2 (pre cuing at 27oC), B3 (degassing time at 30 minute) C1 (interval curing at 14 hour) D2 (maximum curing at (165oC) were significant in contributing in mixing and curing to increase the hardness and density of aluminium filled epoxy.