Comparison of notch fabrication methods on the impact strength of FDM-3D-printed PLA specimens

In this study, the effect of the notch fabrication method (printing the notch on the part, and machining the notch) on the impact results of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) was investigated. Sensitivity to build orientation was also noted in both test situations. The impact test specimens were printed using an FDM-based printer with or without a notch at various build and print orientations. Un-notched specimens were then machined to create notches. To simulate the impact effects, Ansys software was employed to create a finite element model, and the results of the finite element analysis were consistent with the experimental results. According to the findings, the impact strength of the specimens with 3D-printed notches increased by 11-38% compared to specimens whose notch was machined after the rectangular bars were 3D printed. In addition, it has been observed that the build and print orientations affect the impact strength.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of the fabrication method and build orientation on the impact results of 3D-printed PLA. The impact strength of specimens with 3D-printed notches is found to increase by 11-38% compared to specimens with machined notches after 3D printing. The findings also highlight the sensitivity of build and print orientations on impact strength.