Study on the significance of process parameters in improvising the tensile strength of FDM printed carbon fibre reinforced PLA

Abstract

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to the advent of 3D printing technology, which has the ability to fabricate parts with high precision and speed. Carbon fibre reinforced PLA is a commonly utilised material in the realm of 3D printing. This composite material is composed of both PLA and carbon fibres, which synergistically enhance the strength and durability of 3D printed components. Notwithstanding, there exists a considerable amount of research yet to be conducted regarding the optimisation of process parameters to enhance the tensile strength of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printed Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) reinforced with carbon fibres. The objective of this investigation is to assess the importance of process parameters, namely temperature, speed, and layer thickness, in relation to the tensile strength of the 3D printed components. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a widely used technique for the additive manufacturing of polymers, which is gaining traction in engineering domains due to its capacity to rapidly fabricate intricate components. The optimal selection of process parameters is crucial for determining the mechanical properties of 3D printed components. Initially, Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology was developed with the purpose of facilitating rapid prototyping and design verification. Developing functional components for end-users using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) technology, however, presented a challenging task. This study investigated the impact of three significant process variables, namely infill density, printing speed, and layer thickness, on the tensile properties of polylactic acid (PLA) samples. The Taguchi design of experiment approach is employed to restrict the quantity of tests and ascertain the optimal parameters for attaining maximum mechanical properties, minimal weight, and reduced printing time. The optimal process parameters for achieving the desired values of modulus of elasticity and ultimate tensile strength were determined via experimental investigation.