Evaluating the mechanical properties of commonly used 3D printed ABS and PLA polymers with multi layered polymers

Abstract

Rapid prototyping is a technology capable of producing physical models in layer by layer directly from CAD model without any tools, dies and fixtures while involving little human intervention. Rapid prototyping can fabricate complex shapes easily as compared with traditional manufacturing. It also helps in early detection and reduction of design errors. Thermoplastics used in this study are ABS and PLA which are easily available and cost effective. This study aim to investigate the mechanical performance of the 3D printed ABS and PLA thermoplastics and comparing them with the sample produced by preparing the multilayer of those themoplastics. An attempt is made to increase the mechanical performance by preparing the samples with multilayer structures using ABS and PLA. Mechanical tests like Tensile test, Compressive test, Flexural strength, Microhardness and surface roughness have been conducted as per the ASTM standards. Microstructures of the samples are acquired with optical microscope. From the results obtained ABS exhibited more flexural strength and higher elongation before breaking. But ABS consists of chemicals when heated to a certain temperature releases organic volatile compounds which are health hazardous. In order to reduce the chemical effect of ABS, a thermoplastic called PLA is used which is produced naturally and is incorporated to decrease ABS content and achieve the properties of ABS. In the present work the flexural strength of layered sample is nearer to the ABS. So, inorder to reduce the chemical effects of ABS the layered polymer can be used.