Analyzing the Influence of Multimaterial 3D Printing and Postprocessing on Mechanical and Tribological Characteristics

Abstract

3D printing has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity due to its flexibility in design and adaptability as a manufacturing technique to nearly each industrial area. This study focuses on harnessing the technological versatility of 3D printing by utilizing both standard poly lactic acid (PLA) and copper powder-doped PLA to fabricate intricate structures through a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process. The other innovation introduced here lies in the postprocessing step, which involves salt remelting. The mechanical properties of 3D-printed standard test specimens undergo comprehensive assessment, encompassing bending and tensile evaluations, hardness measurements, density assessments, dimensional stability analyses, and wear resistance examinations. Utilizing copper powder-doped PLA for the initial and final layers in XYZ-oriented prints enables multimaterial printing, resulting in an ≈14% increase in tensile strength. Subsequently, subjecting this multimaterial composite to salt remelting elevates the strength enhancement to ≈16%, accompanied by a significant boost in rigidity by reducing voids in cross-sectional area. In addition, scanning electron microscope images are captured, allowing for a detailed morphological analysis, which is then correlated with the findings of the various tests performed. This research unveils the potential of 3D printing technology in crafting materials with tailored mechanical properties, advancing its applicability in numerous industrial sectors.