Fig. 1. 3D printing pattern of ABS specimens (first layer of deposition).

Fig. 2. SEM images of the surface of (a) uncoated and (b) copper coated 3D printed ABS specimens before exposure (left images) and after 1200 h of exposure to UV radiation and moisture (right images).

Fig. 3. SEM images of (a) the fracture surface of copper coated ABS, (b) copper coating over the ABS substrate, and (c) the interface between copper coating and ABS substrate after 1200 h of exposure to UV radiation and moisture.

Fig. 4. Digital microscopy with 300X magnification of (a) partially copper coated ABS specimen before exposure (b) uncoated ABS specimen after 1200 h of exposure (c) copper coated ABS specimen after 1200 h of exposure to UV radiation and moisture.

Fig. 5. XRD graphs for 1 μm copper coating on the 3D printed ABS samples before environmental exposure (lower graph) and after 1200 h of environmental exposure (upper graph).

Fig. 6. Macroscopic images of the fracture surface of (a) uncoated and unexposed (b) uncoated and exposed (c) coated and exposed 3D printed ABS specimens. (exposed ABS specimens were subjected to 1200 h of combined UV radiation and moisture from on one side).

Fig. 7. Flexural properties of uncoated and copper coated 3D printed ABS samples during exposure to UV radiation and moisture. (a) Flexural Modulus; (b) Flexural Strength; (c) Failure Strain; (d) Flexural Toughness.

Fig. 8. Stress-strain curves of (a) uncoated and (b) copper coated 3D printed ABS specimens before and after 1200 h of environmental exposure (five specimens per condition).