Sustainable 3D-printing filaments and their applications

The growing demand for sustainable materials has driven research into 3D printing technologies, particularly those focused on environmentally friendly filaments such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) and its composites. This study explores the mechanical performance and applications of four distinct PLA-based materials: conventional PLA, PLA Advanced PRO, Glass Reinforced PLA, and Foam PLA. Through a combination of tensile testing and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis, the research highlights the displacement behavior and internal structural evolution of these materials under load-bearing conditions. Glass Reinforced PLA demonstrated the highest performance, showing a 10-15 % increase in displacement capacity compared to conventional PLA, while PLA Advanced PRO exhibited a 10 % improvement, and Foam PLA showed a modest 3-5 % enhancement. Infill density significantly impacted layer adhesion, especially for Glass Reinforced PLA, where an infill density above 30 % greatly enhanced structural integrity. This study not only underscores sustainable filaments' environmental and mechanical benefits but also emphasizes their potential as viable alternatives for complex, load-bearing applications in various industries. The findings contribute to the ongoing development of greener, high-performance 3D printing materials and suggest avenues for future research to optimize the balance between sustainability and material performance.