AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON LAYER ADHESION IN FDM 3D PRINTING: COMPARING CONVENTIONAL AND BRICK-LAYER DEPOSITION PATTERNS

This study explores the potential benefits of the brick-layer deposition pattern in FDM 3D printing, focusing on its influence on inter-layer adhesion. Standard tensile test specimens conforming to the ISO 527-2/1B geometry were printed using a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 3D printer with PLA filament. All printing parameters—such as layer height, speed, and temperature—were kept constant, with the only variables being the deposition pattern (conventional vs. brick-layer) and extrusion flow rate (default, +5%, and +10%). A total of six sets of specimens (five per set) were printed vertically to emphasize layer adhesion characteristics. Mechanical testing was conducted via uniaxial tensile testing to failure on universal testing machine. Preliminary results indicate improved performance in specimens printed using the brick-layer method, particularly when combined with increased flow rates. These findings suggest that the brick-layer strategy, though currently underutilized, holds promise for enhancing part strength in FDM printing—warranting further investigation.