Resistance of 3D-Printed Components, Test Specimens and Products to Work under Environmental Conditions—Review

Abstract

The development of additive manufacturing methods known as “3D printing” started in the 1980s. In these methods, spatial models are created from a semi-finished product such as a powder, filament or liquid. The model is most often created in layers, which are created from the semi-finished product, which is most often subjected to thermal treatment or using light or ultraviolet rays. The technology of additive manufacturing has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to the traditionally used methods of processing thermoplastic materials, such as, for example, injection or extrusion. The most important advantages are low cost, flexibility and speed of manufacturing of elements with different spatial shapes. From the point of view of the user of the product, the most important disadvantages are the lower mechanical properties and lower resistance to environmental factors that occur during the use of the manufactured products. The purpose of this review is to present current information and a compilation of features in the field of research on the effects of the interactions of different types of environments on the mechanical properties of 3D-manufactured thermoplastic products. Changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the material under the influence of factors such as humidity, salt, temperature, UV rays, gasoline and the environment of the human body are presented. The presented article enables the effects of environmental conditions on common materials used in 3D printing technology to be collated in one place.

From Virtual Reconstruction to Additive Manufacturing: Application of Advanced Technologies for the Integration of a 17th-Century Wooden Ciborium

“…However, due to certain disadvantages of PLA, such as its high sensitivity to temperature, easy degradability (3–6 months depending on the environmental conditions, size and filling of the object) and hygroscopicity [ 21 , 30 ], a thermoplastic polymer derived from the polyethylene terephthalate family such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is often used. It is well known that exposure to specific conditions of temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation and chemicals causes ageing of polymers, resulting in chemical degradation and/or photodegradation [ 4 , 9 , 32 , 33 ]. The scientific literature includes many studies on the ageing of PLA and PETG under different atmospheric and chemical conditions [ 9 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], whereas studies of accelerated ageing and degradation of 3D printed parts in the same polymeric materials are more limited [ 33 , 35 ].…”

“…It is well known that exposure to specific conditions of temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation and chemicals causes ageing of polymers, resulting in chemical degradation and/or photodegradation [ 4 , 9 , 32 , 33 ]. The scientific literature includes many studies on the ageing of PLA and PETG under different atmospheric and chemical conditions [ 9 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], whereas studies of accelerated ageing and degradation of 3D printed parts in the same polymeric materials are more limited [ 33 , 35 ]. Furthermore, it must also be considered that printed samples do not always behave like the original raw materials, but more like new systems, with porosity and anisotropic properties [ 32 , 35 ].…”

The Use of Additive Manufacturing Techniques in the Development of Polymeric Molds: A Review

“…The mechanical properties of components that are produced by FFF depend on the printing parameters, which are optimized to maximize the part quality, the microstructure, and the overall printing process economy [ 22 , 23 ]. FFF/FDM is currently confidently used in space hardware manufacturing applications for launch vehicles and spacecrafts [ 23 ].…”

Change in the Low-Cycle Performance on the 3D-Printed Materials ABS, ASA, HIPS, and PLA Exposed to Mineral Oil

“…As a result, the range of applications of plastics is also expanding, and they are increasingly used, for example, for parts such as gears or the bodies and covers of mechanisms. As a result, plastic parts operating in this capacity are exposed to environmental factors such as engine oil, mineral oil, and lubricating agents [ 10 ]. There are also other applications, primarily in the automotive industry, where 3D printing is used to produce lightweight spare parts and prototypes [ 11 ]; in the electronics industry, where cases and packaging are designed as people’s interest turns toward wearable electronics [ 12 ]; in the furniture industry, where spare parts and various accessories are produced; as well as in the food industry, where packaging and storage containers are produced [ 13 ].…”