Experimental testing of PLA biodegradable thermoplastic in the frame of 3D printing FDM technology

Abstract

In the present time there are many different plastic materials and composite materials suitable for 3D printing by deposition of semi-melted material. The proper selection of correct material with suitable material properties is dependent on the situation how the produced 3D model should be used. If we need to take into account just the visual look of used material or also the mechanical properties as strength is important for loaded models for final use. The aim of this paper is to publish outputs of experimental testing for 3D models from selected materials with regards to mechanical properties of produced testing parts. Produced 3D models are from PLA biodegradable thermoplastic. Models are prepared on Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printer. Testing is based on prepared full factors experiment with four factors on its two levels. Measured values are Tensile strength of PLA testing 3D models. In the same time there are gathered information regarding the 3D printing process and compared to measured tensile strength values for each sent of testing parts. All the measured data are statistically evaluated also by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA method).

Keywords

• 3D printing
• rapid prototyping
• fused deposition modelling
• PLA thermoplastic
• fused filament fabrication