Effect of process parameters on tensile strength of FDM printed PLA part

The purpose of this paper to study the tensile strength of the fused deposition modelling (FDM) printed PLA part. In recent times, FDM has been evolving from rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing where parts fabricated by FDM process can be directly used for application. However, application of FDM fabricated part is significantly affected by poor and anisotropic mechanical properties. Mechanical properties of FDM part can be improved by proper selection of process parameters.

In the present study, three process parameter, namely, raster angle, layer height and raster width, have been selected to study their effect on tensile properties. Parts are fabricated as per ASTM D638 Type I standard.

It has been observed that the highest tensile strength obtained at 0° raster angle. Lower value of layer height is observed to be good for higher tensile strength because of higher bonding area between the layers. At higher value of raster width, tensile strength is improved up to certain extent after which presence of void reduces the tensile strength.

In the present investigation, layer height and raster width have been also varied along with raster angle to study their effect on the tensile strength of FDM printed PLA part.