Enhancing Mechanical Characteristics of PETG Carbon Fiber Composite through Various Shell Thickness in FDM Processing

Abstract

The utilization of PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) carbon fiber composites in Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) processes has gained significant attention due to their enhanced mechanical properties compared to traditional PETG filaments. This study focuses on investigating the impact of varying shell thickness on the mechanical characteristics of PETG carbon fiber composites fabricated through FDM. The objective is to optimize the shell thickness to achieve superior mechanical performance while maintaining printing efficiency. A series of PETG carbon fiber composites with different shell thicknesses were manufactured using an FDM 3D printer. Mechanical tests, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance, were conducted to evaluate the performance of the fabricated specimens. Additionally, micro-structural analysis was performed to understand the influence of shell thickness on the interfacial bonding between PETG matrix and carbon fibers. Preliminary results indicate that increasing shell thickness positively affects the mechanical properties of PETG carbon fiber composites. Tensile and flexural strength show a noticeable improvement with an increase in shell thickness, attributed to enhanced interlayer adhesion and improved load-bearing.