Abstract
The paper presents the study on the static mechanical properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid) produced with entry-level additive technologies using three printing directions. During the experimental work were tested a total of 15 �dog bone� ASTM D638-14 standard specimens made from additively manufactured polymer (PLA) through FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) technique, where the material and rectilinear pattern infill geometry and infill percentage of 100% were constant and the printing orientation was varied. Usually technical data sheets that are delivered by filament materials producers include the most satisfactory data which are valid for only one specific printing direction. The printing direction is deliberately selected, in such way that the best material characteristics are achieved. In addition to this matter, as the additive manufacturing market grew significantly in the past couple of years, the filament production market showed a consequential growth. The aftermath of this expansion had a direct impact towards the quality and costs of the filaments used for 3D printing, in order to satisfy both the low-end and high-end users. Therefore, in this frame, the present research provides entry-level additively manufactured PLA performances showing significant changes depending on the different printing directions and determine the build orientation influence on the mechanical properties, in the aim of providing aid for both mechanical designer and product manufacturer at the stage of the printed product mechanical properties.
Highlights
Additive manufacturing emerging technologies present a continuous growing and represents high interest for engineering due to undeniable major advantages related to increased automation level, low material usage and design freedom
If we compare the specific stresses (MPa/kg), polylactic acid is only twice as weak as a 2000 series aluminium alloy, which is an aviation alloy used in shell panels and other parts with a structural role on an aircraft
The present research study performed on PLA mechanical properties in static regime using steady tensile rate mechanical tests showed that the polymeric material obtained by additive production is an orthotropic, brittle material with relatively good mechanical strength
Summary
Additive manufacturing emerging technologies present a continuous growing and represents high interest for engineering due to undeniable major advantages related to increased automation level, low material usage and design freedom. Used techniques include fused deposition modelling (FDM), one of the most used 3D printing techniques of thermoplastic polymers. This process is based on the deposition of semi-molten filaments to create an object as a composition of several overlapping layers; of which each layer is composed of filaments laid out according to a predetermined raster configuration. In spite of being broadly researched, the data available is wildly scattered due to notable discrepancies between low-end and high-end available 3D printers and printing materials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
