A novel indentation technique for assessing bonding strength between additive manufactured multi-materials

Abstract

The use of multi-material parts is becoming increasingly common with the growing adoption of additive manufacturing. This approach allows for the integration of various material properties into a single part, but it also introduces an additional failure point at the interface between the different materials. Various methods can be employed to characterize bonding strength, though most require precise machining. This study investigates an alternative approach using Vickers hardness indenting on to the hardest material, near the interface between two materials. Varying the indentation depth, and distance between the interface and indentation induces varying shear stresses in the interface, making crack initiation possible with a II/III mixed fracture mode. This article presents a proof of concept for a novel technique to assess the strength of a multi-material bond, although the study is limited to a bronze and tool steel interface.