Fused deposition modeling (FDM), one of the most widely
used additive
manufacturing (AM) processes, is used for fabrication of 3D models
from computer-aided design data using various materials for a wide
scope of applications. The principle of FDM or, in general, AM plays
an important role in minimizing the ill effects of manufacturing on
the environment. Among the various available reinforcements, short
glass fiber (SGF), one of the strong reinforcement materials available,
is used as a reinforcement in the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS) matrix. At the outset, very limited research has been carried
out till date in the analysis of the impact and flexural strength
of the SGF-reinforced ABS polymer composite developed by the FDM process.
In this regard, the present research investigates the impact and flexural
strength of SGF–ABS polymer composites by the addition of 15
and 30 wt % SGF to ABS. The tests were conducted as per ASTM standards.
Increments in flexural and impact properties were observed with the
addition of SGF to ABS. The increment of 42% in impact strength was
noted for the addition of 15 wt % SGF and 54% increase with the addition
of 30 wt % SGF. On similar lines, flexural properties also showed
improved values of 44 and 59% for the addition of 15 and 30 wt % SGF
to ABS. SGF addition greatly enhanced the properties of flexural and
impact strength and has paved the path for the exploration of varied
values of reinforcement into the matrix.