Additive manufacturing of 3D reinforced structures: effects of process parameters on mechanical properties

Abstract

Three dimensional (3D) printing or Rapid Prototyping (RP) provides an innovative additive manufacturing method for prototypes and functional components. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a fast growing rapid prototyping technology for fabricating thermoplastic parts due to its ability to build functional parts having complex geometrical shapes in reasonable time periods with the advantages of low cost, minimal wastage, and no tooling or touch labour. The quality of a built part (surface finish, dimensional accuracy or mechanical properties) depends on several process variables. Assessing the influence of these process parameters on mechanical properties is vital for understanding the performance of 3D printed materials, and to determine the needs for further research. The aim of this study is to characterize and assess of different process parameters on the mechanical performance of PLA and ABS samples manufactured with low cost 3D printing. Tensile and three-point bending tests series were carried out to determine the mechanical response of the printed specimens with different process parameters. Finally, the practicality of the results was assessed by testing an evaluation structure as a case example.