Comparison of Mechanical Properties of PLA and ABS Based Structures Produced by Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) additive manufacturing is a technology that works horizontally and vertically in which an extrusion nozzle moves on a building platform. Knowing the mechanical properties of the parts manufactured by the FDM method is very important for the parts to work efficiently in places of usage. Additive manufacturing with the FDM method is widespread due to its advantages such as easy-to-use features, low cost, flexibility in material options, and less processing after printing. Two different polymer materials (PLA and ABS), tensile, compression test and 3 point bending tests, a total of 36 test specimens were printed on the FDM type printer. The samples obtained were subjected to mechanical tests to determine their mechanical properties. As a result of the study, the effect of the samples' mechanical properties produced by the PLA and ABS-based FDM method was examined and compared with the literature. The results showed that the mechanical properties of PLA and ABS material are highly dependent on the filling density. While the mechanical properties were improved by the increase in filling density rate, the print speed has been decreased. The research findings obtained are of a nature that will guide the optimization of the FDM method's parts in terms of mechanical properties.