Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objective: The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has become a manufacturing technique in less time and at low cost. However, this process is influenced by the anisotropy of the pieces, because their resistance depends on the orientation of the deposited threads. In this paper, it is proposed to evaluate the mechanical strength of cylindrical shafts made of Polylactide (PLA), aiming to correlate the flexural behaviour of the material with different inclinations on the layers and improving the efficiency of the parts manufactured by this technique in operation. Materials and Methods: An experimental design was made where cylinders with different angles of inclination were manufactured in order to examine the mechanical flexural properties and determine the degree of affectation when the orientation of the fused deposition layers is modified. Findings: According to the results of mechanical flexural properties, variations in the tests calculated parameters are evidenced as a result of the anisotropic nature that generates the deposition’s assembly orientation in the direction of the applied force. Conclusion: The failure analysis of the cylindrical shafts by means of fractography, shows important characteristics in correspondence to applied load, mainly due to the increase of ductility in PLA 50° system, as a consequence of energy absorption by the material from the beginning and spreading of the crack.

Keywords: 3D Printing, Flex, Fracture, Inclination