Impact of FDM variables on the tensile property of 3D printed CF-PLA parts

Abstract

In the present investigation, the impact of four influential process variabes i.e., infill density (50 to 90%), raster pattern (Gyroid, Cross 3D and Concentric), layer height (0.1 to 0.3 mm) and print speed (40 to 60 mm/s) were investigated on the tensile characteristic of 3D printed carbon fibre polylactic acid parts. The tensile samples were fabricated for experimental work based on L9 orthogonal design of experiments. The samples were produced twice to reduce the error occurance and to obtain the precise results. From the test results, the highest average tensile strength of 48.886 MPa was observed for sample 8 printed with infill density of 90%, concentric raster patten, layer height of 0.2 mm at a printing speed of 40 mm/s. The fracture analysis confirmed the good adhesion between the printed layers. Thus, the present study suggests that the high strength and light weight 3D printed structrues can be produced using carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastics for various applications like bike frames, drones, sporting goods, medical equipments and aerial applications etc.