The Influence of Layer Thickness on Mechanical Properties of the 3D Printed ABS Polymer by Fused Deposition Modeling

Abstract

3D Printed ABS polymer samples were investigated for understanding the effect of layer thickness on the various mechanical properties of the component. Standard samples with varying layer thickness were prepared by 3D printing machine which works on the principle of Fused Deposition modeling (FDM) method and compared with sample prepared by standard injection molding method. Results show that tensile strength (36 MPa), impact strength (103.6 J/m) and hardness (R107) were highest for the samples made by injection molding method. Furthermore, among 3D printed samples, properties were better with smaller layer thickness. With increase in layer thickness, there was negative effect on mechanical properties as tensile strength, impact strength and hardness decreased. Exception with hardness of 3D printed ABS samples was found; for largest layer thickness hardness further increased instead of decreasing.