Journal of Computational Applied Mechanics

Effects of infill parameter variations on mechanical properties in 3D printed structures: comparative study with fem analysis

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Transilvania University of Brasov, B-dul Eroilor 29, Brasov, 500036, Romania

2 Institute of Solid Mechanics of Romanian Academy, Str. Constantin Mille no. 15, 030167 Bucharest, Romania

3 Dept of Mathematics and Computer Science, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania

4 Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov Street 3, Bucharest, 050045, Romania

5 Faculty of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, 73728 Esslingen, Germany

Abstract

This paper investigates the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA). This study aims to provide information on how the mechanical properties of 3D-printed PETG and 3D-printed PLA are affected by the in-fill parameter (printed layer density). Different infill parameters (hereafter named layer density or density) and ply orientation (filament/fiber orientation) are used for obtaining PETG and PLA samples. Values of mechanical properties were recorded at bending tests on specimens with different densities, namely 10%, 15% and 20%, at angles of 0° and 45°, aiming to assess the material's quality about its properties and applications. PETG and PLA exhibited elastoplastic behavior during bending tests. Obtained results indicate that samples made with PLA exhibit superior mechanical properties compared to those made with PETG. The samples bending tests are validated with FEM analysis. PETG-based samples demonstrate higher resilience and elongation at break values, indicating greater flexibility and resistance to deformation. In contrast, PLA-based samples display more brittle characteristics, with elongation values at failure significantly lower by one order of magnitude.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Computational Applied Mechanics
Volume 56, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 318-330
  • Receive Date: 15 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 21 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 21 February 2025