Abstract
This study presents the influences of key processing parameters on the resulting material properties of fused-deposition-modeled (FDM) polylactic acid (PLA) components tested in torsion. A reduced experimental matrix was produced through the use of a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array with three parameters at three levels each. The processing parameters included the layer thickness, infill density, and postprocessing heat-treatment time at 100°C. Testing of components at varying times is conducted to facilitate heat-treatment time testing range and show the effects of prolonged heating. The layer thickness and infill are tested across the entire useful range available for the FDM machine used. Shear stress–strain response curves are acquired and average ultimate shear strength, 0.2% yield strength, proportional limit, shear modulus, and fracture strain are calculated for each run. An analysis of results via regression analysis is used to determine influences levels of parameters of the mechanical properties. The layer thickness and infill density are shown to be of high importance when optimizing for strength, with heat-treatment implementation slightly improving the resulting properties. Ductility is mainly affected by infill and heat treatment, with layer thickness having only a slight effect on the fracture strain achieved. Recommendations are made based on results of a method to optimize for either strength or ductility and how to compromise between recommended settings when a balance between the two is desired. The ability to produce parts with mechanical properties at or near those of bulk PLA is shown.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
M. Bijarimi, S. Ahmad, and R. Rasid, Int. Conf. Agric. Chem. Environ. Sci. 1, 115 (2012).
A.M. Clarinval and J. Halleux, Biodegradable Polymers for Industrial Applications, ed. R. Smith (Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis, 2005), pp. 3–31.
M. Jamshidian, E.A. Tehrany, M. Imran, M. Jacquot, and S. Desobry, Comp. Rev. Food Sci. 9, 552 (2010).
C.S. Lee, S.G. Kim, H.J. Kim, and S.H. Ahn, J. Mater. Process. Tech. 187–188, 627 (2007).
S.K. Panda, S. Padhee, A.K. Sood, and S.S. Mahapatra, Intell. Inf. Manage. 1, 89 (2009).
J.W. Zhang and A.H. Peng, Adv. Mater. Res. 538–541, 444 (2012).
G. Perego, G.D. Cella, and C. Bastioli, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 59, 37 (1996).
M. Kowalczyk and E. Piorkowska, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 124, 4579 (2012).
J. Torres, M. Cole, A. Owji, Z. DeMastry, and A.P. Gordon, Rapid Prototyping J. (in press).
A.K. Sood, R.K. Ohdar, and S.S. Mahapatra, Mater. Des. 31, 287 (2010).
J. Wootthikanokkhan, T. Cheachun, N. Sombatsompop, S. Thumsorn, N. Kaabbuathong, N. Wongta, J. Wong-On, S.I.N. Ayutthaya, and A. Kositchaiyong, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 129, 215 (2013).
Y. Srithep, P. Nealey, and L.-S. Turng, Polym. Eng. Sci. 53, 580 (2013).
S.D. Park, M. Todo, K. Arakawa, and M. Koganemaru, Polymer 47, 1357 (2006).
A.M. Harris and E.C. Lee, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 107, 2246 (2008).
J.H. Lin, H.Y. Chung, K.D. Wu, S.P. Wen, C.T. Lu, and C.W. Lou, Adv. Mater. Res. 627, 751 (2012).
A.P. Mathew, K. Oksman, and M. Sain, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 97, 2014 (2005).
A. Galeski, Prog. Polym. Sci. 28, 1643 (2003).
Acknowledgements
The participation of José Cotelo is made possible via the support of the Career Advancement Mentoring Program for Young Entrepreneur and Scholars (CAMP-YES), a National Science Foundation funded program at the University of Central Florida. Fabrication of test coupons was made possible due to the cooperation of the Center for Microgravity Research and Education at the University of Central Florida.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Torres, J., Cotelo, J., Karl, J. et al. Mechanical Property Optimization of FDM PLA in Shear with Multiple Objectives. JOM 67, 1183–1193 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1367-y
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-015-1367-y