Characterization of 3D-printed PLA parts with different raster orientations and printing speeds

Mohammad Reza Khosravani,Majid R Ayatollahi,Tamara Reinicke,Filippo Berto

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-05005-4

Abstract

Fabrication based on additive manufacturing (AM) process from a three-dimensional (3D) model has received significant attention in the past few years. Although 3D printing was introduced for production of prototypes, it has been currently used for fabrication of end-use products. Therefore, the mechanical behavior and strength of additively manufactured parts has become of significant importance. 3D printing has been affected by different parameters during preparation, printing, and post-printing processes, which have influence on quality and behavior of the additively manufactured components. This paper discusses the effects of two printing parameters on the mechanical behavior of additively manufactured components. In detail, polylactic acid material was used to print test coupons based on fused deposition modeling process. The specimens with five different raster orientations were printed with different printing speeds. Later, a series of tensile tests was performed under static loading conditions. Based on the results, strength and stiffness of the examined specimens have been determined. Moreover, dependency of the strength and elastic modulus of 3D-printed parts on the raster orientation has been documented. In the current study, fractured specimens were visually investigated by a free-angle observation system. The experimental findings can be used for the development of computational models and next design of structural components.

Highlights

Additive manufacturing (AM) known as three-dimensional (3D) printing covers a set of techniques which utilized layer-by-layer concept to fabricate components. 3D printing technology is vastly used in different applications, such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, and medicine, and healthcare m onitoring[1,2,3,4,5,6]
Production of light structural components with desired weight and utilizing multiple materials at the same time are advantages of 3D printing compared to traditional manufacturing processes
Strength and stiffness depend on the raster direction and printing speed

Summary

Introduction

Additive manufacturing (AM) known as three-dimensional (3D) printing covers a set of techniques which utilized layer-by-layer concept to fabricate components. 3D printing technology is vastly used in different applications, such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, and medicine, and healthcare m onitoring[1,2,3,4,5,6]. Based on the documented applications 3D printing, reduction in time and cost by eliminating expensive manufacturing equipment, and possibilities on easy fabrication of geometrically complex components have been considered as important advantages of 3D printing technology. In this rapid prototyping process, large reduction of waste material can be achieved, because manufacturing tools are not required, and filed prints can be recycled in an easy and fast process. It is necessary to investigate mechanical behavior of these components In this context, several studies have been conducted to determine response of 3D-printed materials to different loading conditions, such as bending, tensile, and torsion[11,12,13]. Fractography indicated that interfacial weakness leads to anisotropy and change mechanical performance of the component

Methods

Results

Conclusion