The effect of different printing parameters on mechanical and thermal properties of PLA specimens

Abstract

In 3D printing, it is important to choose the right printing parameters because they can influence the mechanical strength of the printed product. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)type printer was used to print specimens frompoly(lactic-acid)(PLA)fiber. Three printing temperatures, two printing rates, and two building structureswereapplied. The mechanical properties were measured by tensile and Charpy impact tests, the thermalproperties were investigated byDifferential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC)and pictures were taken from the fracturesurfaces by digital microscope. The results showed that the effect of the fiber orientation was the greatest. The temperature haslessimpact, but the changeis well demonstrated. The effect of printing rate on mechanical strength is not clear, so further studies are required. At slower rate the positive effect of temperature raisingis more visible on microscopic images.