Purpose: In the present work significant process parameters (nozzle temperature, layer thickness, and printing speed) are optimized for enhancing the mechanical properties of fused deposited PLA specimens. The selected parameters in this study critically impact the desired mechanical properties of printed PLA parts.
Design/ Methodology/ Approach: The three selected critical process parameters are simultaneously studied in a systematic manner using a hybrid statistical tool central composite design (CCD) for Response surface methodology. The selected printing parameters are layer thickness, nozzle temperature, and printing speed.
Findings: The best composition of the tensile strength (50.5479 MPa) & flexural strength (95.0163 MPa) has been produced with an RSM predicted model having process parameters layer thickness 0.2313mm, nozzle temperature 208 °C, and printing speed 55.5 mm sec-1 Based on the results of the validating method, by producing an optimal sample in accordance with optimal parameters and their mechanical properties measurements, it was found that the optimal values of parameters are giving the maximum mechanical properties and the RSM Method has a high ability to optimize the parameters.
Research Implications: Tensile Strength and Flexural strength are the two important features that need a stent to withstand the forces exerted on it by the surrounding tissues and blood flow and to be able to bend and conform to the shape of the artery during insertion and deployment. This study focuses on nozzle temperature, printing speed, and layer thickness in the experimental estimation of the ideal PLA polymer FDM part characteristics. Results show that Layer thickness and Nozzle Temperature are the dominating contributors to the mechanical responses (tensile strength & Flexural strength).