Effect of 3d Print Layer Orientation on Tensile Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid) Polymer

Abstract

This work investigated the effect of print layer orientation on tensile properties of poly(lactic)acid (PLA) polymer. The size of PLA filament is used as 1.70mm diameter. The tensile specimen is modelled in solidworks software as per ISO-527 1BA standard dimensions for plastic materials and saved the data file as STL (Stereo Lithographic) format. The STL file is given as input to the 3D printing machine. The specimen is prepared in 45 degree positions, 90 degree positions and upright positions. The printed samples is tested in Instron universal testing machine. The maximum tensile stress is obtained in 45 degree positions based printed samples due to better load transfer along the printed layer of materials and minimum tensile stress is observed in upright samples due to poor load transformation along the materials. The print layer orientation of the materials is viewed in optical microscope analysis.