# New research on 3D-printed materials toward future generations of stronger, lighter plastics

**URL:** <https://community.materialssquare.com/t/new-research-on-3d-printed-materials-toward-future-generations-of-stronger-lighter-plastics/516>\
**Category:** News\
**Created:** [July 29, 2024, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/new-research-on-3d-printed-materials-toward-future-generations-of-stronger-lighter-plastics/516 "2024-07-29T15:28:49Z")\
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**Author:** ![gabriele1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/community.materialssquare.com/gabriele1/32/20_2.png) [@gabriele1](https://community.materialssquare.com/u/gabriele1)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2024, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/new-research-on-3d-printed-materials-toward-future-generations-of-stronger-lighter-plastics/516/1 "2024-07-29T15:28:49Z")

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Researchers from the UK and Italy have developed new insights into the failure mechanisms of 3D-printed materials, focusing on polyetherimide (PEI) lattices. Their study introduces an “enhancement factor” to predict and minimize structural defects, leading to stronger, lighter plastics. They used stress tests and computer modeling to identify weaknesses like “interlayer damage” in higher-density lattices. These findings can help improve 3D printing guidelines, potentially benefiting industries such as automotive safety and aerospace by creating more resilient and efficient materials.

For more details, you can read the full article here:

> **[New research on 3D-printed materials toward future generations of stronger,...](https://phys.org/news/2024-07-3d-materials-future-generations-stronger.html)**
>
> A new analysis of the deformation mechanisms which cause 3D-printed materials to fail under strain could help create future generations of stronger, lighter plastics, unlocking transformative benefits for industry.