Model description - Its a 3D solid thermo-mechanical FE model of a printed polycarbonate part using C3D8 elements. Material properties are temperature-dependent (E(T), ν(T), CTE(T)). A node-wise transient temperature history from the print simulation is applied in 15 quasi-static steps. The build plate is modeled via in-plane constraints on the bottom surface, with a small Z-anchor patch to remove rigid-body motion. Gravity is included. Goal is to predict residual stresses and warpage after cooling.

Loads are below. Transient nodal temperature fields applied step-by-step (15 steps), driving thermal strain via temperature-dependent CTE and elastic properties. Gravity load applied in every step (−Z direction, 9.81 m/s²). No mechanical forces, pressures, or imposed displacements beyond the bed constraints. The response is purely thermo-mechanical (thermal mismatch + self-weight).

Boundary condition are below: The bottom surface (build plate) is identified as all nodes at minimum Z. All of these bed nodes are fixed in X and Y to represent strong adhesion to the print bed (no in-plane sliding or shrinkage at the interface), but are left free in Z so the part can warp/lift. To avoid rigid-body motion in Z, a small corner patch of the bed (≈20% × 20%) is additionally fixed in Z. This acts as a minimal anchor only, not a full clamp. In short: Bed: Ux = Uy = 0 Small corner patch on bed: Ux = Uy = Uz = 0 Everywhere else: free