The anisotropy and friction effect in the design of 3D printed PLA parts – A case study

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing, commonly known as 3D Printing, is one of the most affordable manufacturing processes for producing complex geometric components. This manufacturing process is also frequently used when it is needed to manufacture unique parts to replace degraded or damaged components and spare parts that are no longer available. In this reverse engineering process, particular attention must be given to the constitutive models of materials. The 3D printing manufacturing process usually requires a change of materials and introduces or increases the anisotropy. In addition, the complexity of part geometries and loading often requires using the finite element method to simulate their behaviour in service.Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the materials frequently used in 3D Printing for its sustainability, affordability, and mechanical and thermal properties. In this study, a bushing of a hinged drawer support is reverse-engineered, and its in-service behaviour is simulated before it is manufactured using Tough PLA material through 3D printing. Furthermore, the effect of the anisotropy and the friction in the design is evaluated. The MSC Patran/Nastran 2021 software for the finite element analysis, the Ultimaker Cura 5.0 software and the Ultimaker S5 printer were used.