Additive manufacturing of PLA structures using fused deposition modelling: Effect of process parameters on mechanical properties and their optimal selection

Abstract

Fused deposition modelling is a rapidly growing additive manufacturing technology due to its ability to build functional parts having complex geometries. The mechanical properties of a built part depend on several process parameters. The aim of this study is to characterize the effect of build orientation, layer thickness and feed rate on the mechanical performance of PLA samples manufactured with a low cost 3D printer. Tensile and three-point bending tests are carried out to determine the mechanical response of the printed specimens. Due to the layer-by-layer process, 3D printed samples exhibit anisotropic behaviour. Upright orientation shows the lowest mechanical properties. On the other hand, on-edge and flat orientation show the highest strength and stiffness. From a layer thickness and feed rate point of view, it is observed that ductility decreases as layer thickness and feed rate increase. In addition, the mechanical properties increase as layer thickness increases and decrease as the feed rate increases for the upright orientation. However, the variations in mechanical properties with layer thickness and feed rate are of slight significance for on-edge and flat orientations, except in the particular case of low layer thickness. Finally, the practicality of the results is assessed by testing an evaluation structure.