The Effect of Pattern Addition on the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Parts

Additive manufacturing is a suitable method for multi-material production, as it offers flexibility in structural design and enables layer-by-layer fabrication of materials. However, the different chemical structures and formulations of the materials used may affect the mechanical integrity of the part. In nature, there are many patterned structures that inspire the design of multi-material additive manufacturing components. Integrating the harmony and advantages of these natural structures into the manufacturing process will significantly contribute to human development. This study presents a novel manufacturing approach for using existing natural or artificially produced pattern forms in the development of composite materials. In this aim, patterned parts composed of multiple materials were produced using a 3D printer with combinations of PLA Plus, PLA CF, and PLA GF. Mechanical tests were conducted on the produced parts, and their fracture surfaces were examined. In patterned specimens, tensile strength decreased compared to reference (non-patterned) specimens. In the PLA Plus-PLA Plus and PLA Plus-PLA CF combinations, tensile strength generally decreased in samples with three patterns, while the greatest reduction in tensile strength occurred in the PLA Plus-PLA GF patterned specimens. The highest bending forces were obtained in single- and five-pattern samples with PLA Plus-PLA Plus and PLA Plus-PLA CF combinations, as well as in five-pattern samples with the PLA Plus-PLA GF combination. The results indicate that the presence and number of patterns are important factors influencing the mechanical properties of the specimens.