Correlating FDM printing parameters with mechanical properties and surface quality of PLA printouts

Abstract This study explores the correlation between four critical Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) parameters—extrusion temperature, layer height, print speed, and infill density—and the mechanical properties and surface quality of PLA (Polylactic Acid) printouts. The mechanical properties, including Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and bending strength, were evaluated alongside surface roughness and dimensional accuracy. The results indicate that extrusion temperatures between 200 °C and 220 °C optimize mechanical performance, enhancing tensile strength and bending strength, while smaller layer heights (0.1 mm) improve surface smoothness but increase print time. Moderate print speeds (around 60 mm s −1 ) offer the best balance between strength and efficiency, while higher infill densities (above 80%) enhance mechanical properties, increasing both tensile and bending strength by up to 25%. These findings provide key insights into optimizing FDM printing parameters to achieve improved structural integrity and aesthetic quality in PLA prints.