Desktop Fabrication of Strong Poly (Lactic Acid) Parts: FFF Process Parameters Tuning

Abstract

Current study aims to evaluate the possibilities to increase part strength by optimizing the FFF process parameters. Five different CAD models of parts with same coupling dimensions but different shape inherited from a recent study were converted into test samples with Ultimaker 2 3D printer. The main measure of success was the sample strength, defined as the load at which the first crack in the stressed area of the part appeared. Three different modifications to the FFF process with verified positive effect on interlayer bonding were applied. First modification included raising the extrusion temperature and disabling printed part cooling. Second modification consisted in reduction of the layer thickness. Third modification combined the effects of the first and the second ones. For four out of five shapes tested applied process modifications resulted in significant strengthening of the part. The shape that exhibited the best results was subject to further research by creating special printing mode. The mode included fine-tuning of three technological parameters on different stages of the part fabrication. As result it was possible to increase the part strength by 108% only by tuning printing parameters of the best shape designed with increasing its weight by 8%.

Altering the Elastic Properties of 3D Printed Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) Parts by Compressive Cyclic Loading

“…The possibility of increasing the strength of samples printed by a 3D Ultimaker 2 printer through optimizing the parameters of the FFF process was studied by Kuznetsov et al [ 29 ]. Three different modifications were made to the FFF process: the printer cooling was deactivated, the extrusion temperature was increased, and the thickness of the printed layers was decreased.…”

Effect of the angle of the laid-up filaments on the surfaces on the coefficient of static friction between parts manufactured by extrusion-based 3D printing

“…In addition, the simplicity of the extrusion process, which made possible the use of different building materials, combined with flexibility and the ability to produce complex geometries, made these systems attractive not only for domestic use but also for application in industry and research institutes. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Currently, extrusion-based 3D printing is going through an important transition of a system designed for building prototypes to one capable of producing parts for final application; stabilization in this scenario, therefore, is one of the greatest challenges for this technology. 8,9 However, for this to become a reality, it is necessary to reach a level of reliability in aspects such as quality of the components obtained, dimensional and geometric conformity, tolerances, surface finish, mechanical properties, among others.…”