Abstract
The use of Rapid Prototyping (RP) processes in manufacturing cellular solids offers the advantages of controlling the distribution, dimensions and interconnection of cells, which influence their micro and macro-structural properties. But not all RP processes are able to build cellular solids with closed cells, this article analyzing the capacity of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process to manufacture this type of structures from ABS material. Using a test part containing cubic and spherical cells, it is shown that FDM can manufacture structures with completely enclosed voids, but only for a certain range of dimensions. This approach opens new study directions such as the possibility to analyze the mechanical behaviour of this type of cellular materials with closed cells and controlled geometry, or to use them as test parts for detecting voids in injection moulded parts. Keywords: fused deposition modeling, rapid prototyping, ABS polymer material, cellular solids, closed cells