What factor can adversely affect the mechanical properties of AM parts?

The mechanical properties of additive manufacturing (AM) parts can be significantly influenced by various factors during the production process.

Cooling rates during printing play a crucial role; if parts cool too quickly or at an uneven rate, it can induce internal stresses and lead to warping or cracking. This uneven cooling can affect the integrity and strength of the final product, resulting in lower mechanical performance.

Layer adhesion is another vital factor, as the bonding between layers in an AM part determines its overall strength and durability. If layers do not adhere properly, structural weaknesses can arise, leading to failures under stress or load.

Material thickness can also impact mechanical properties. Thicker materials may exhibit different thermal and mechanical behavior compared to thinner ones, affecting how the part performs during and after the manufacturing process.

Considering these factors, it is clear that they all contribute to the mechanical properties of AM parts. Therefore, recognizing that all these aspects can adversely affect performance justifies the selection of "All of the above" as the correct answer.