The effect of printing parameters on the tensile properties of bidirectional PLA structures: a statistical approach

Eco-friendly manufacturing processes have been the focus of recent research in engineering and biomedical sciences. The filament fusion fabrication (FFF) technique of bio-based polymeric parts is a promising additive manufacturing process with low environmental impact. This work investigates the optimised manufacturing parameters to produce bidirectional PLA plates under tensile loads. A full factorial design investigates the effect of layer angle, layer height, print speed, and sample thickness on tensile strength and stiffness. Layer height is the most predominant factor over tensile modulus and strength, while raster angle and print speed factors lead to small changes in the mechanical properties of 3D-printed structures. PLA samples oriented at ± 45° and 0/90° using low layer height achieve greater mean tensile strength and stiffness, respectively. The statistical design indicates interaction effects, which combine printing parameters and geometry capable of increasing the mechanical response of printed structures.