Analysis of the effect of the process parameters on the mechanical strength of 3D printed and adhesively bonded PETG single lap joint

Abstract

The current study deals with the effect of 3D printing parameters on the strength of 3d printed and adhesively bonded PETG single lap joints. Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is used to print standard specimens with different printing parameters (raster angle, raster width, and layer thickness) using fused deposition modelling (FDM) process. By conducting number of tensile tests on the single lap joint specimens, the effect of abovementioned 3D printing parameters on the mechanical behaviour of PETG joints is determined. Furthermore, a computational investigation was carried out to confirm the experimental results and gain a better understanding of the fracture behaviour of these types of joints. The effect of above mentioned 3D printing parameters in stress distribution and failure behaviour of the joints are examined and reported. Taking into Consideration of a growing interest in FDM 3D printing technology in manufacturing and many other applications of adhesively bonded joints, obtained results are useful for future studies on new designs of 3D printed adhesively bonded products with a greater strength and improved structural performance.