Effect of print speed and extrusion temperature on properties of 3D printed PLA using fused deposition modeling process

Abstract

3D printing is a novel technology which has enabled the manufacturing sector to develop products with higher degree of automation, increased design freedom and better mechanical performance. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an important techniques of 3D printing in which the layers of thermoplastic polymer are deposited in a highly controlled way to develop a 3D object. FDM technique is mainly used for product development and demonstration purposes. In the present study, FDM process parameters, namely, print speed and extrusion temperature have been selected to study their effects on the dimensional quality and tensile properties of the printed part. 3D printed test specimens were fabricated with the help of FDM 3D printer by using Poly lactic acid (PLA) as per ASTM D638 Type IV standard. The effect of print speed and extrusion temperature on the dimensional quality and tensile property of Poly lactic acid were investigated. After analyzing the results, it was observed that the dimensional quality of 3D printed part is significantly affected by print speed and extrusion temperature. The dimensional deviation was found low at lower print speed and higher extrusion temperature. Maximum tensile strength was obtained at high print speed. Minimum build time was observed at the higher print speed which indicates that it is inversely proportional to the print speed and has no significant dependence on the extrusion temperature.