This study aims to investigate the validity of a model of 3D-printed conductive samples. In order to achieve this, the voltage distribution over the surfaces of real-life 3D-printed samples is compared to similar modelled samples. These samples are fabricated through FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), one of the most common forms of 3D printing. The model specifically models anisotropic behaviour in cubic samples, which means an inhomogeneous voltage distribution. In previous research performed on 2D samples, this behaviour was observed and affected by model parameters. In this paper, the extent of anisotropy in 3D samples is investigated.
To attempt to affect the anisotropy in printed samples, the printing parameters and geometries of the samples are varied. These parameters include the printing temperature and the layer thickness. The samples are placed under an imposed potential difference, and the voltages on the surfaces are measured using a specifically designed setup. Additional measurements are also performed to measure the resistance of the sample and verify the method. The results obtained showed little variation in anisotropy across the various samples, with all the samples being fairly isotropic. A difference in printing temperature yielded some interesting results, but more experiments must be performed to improve their reliability.