THE EFFECT OF THICKNESS AND FILAMENT TYPE ON THE MODAL BEHAVIOR OF 3D PRINTED SPUR GEARS

Nowadays, the modal analysis method is effectively employed in the design of low-noise, high-safety machines, the production of comfortable vehicles, and the development of structures resistant to dynamic loads, the establishment of safe operating conditions, and the determination of optimal operating parameters. In this study, modal analyses were conducted on spur gear models produced using four commonly utilized 3D printing filament materials (PLA, ABS, PET-G, and PC) each in four different thicknesses)3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and 9 mm). The analyses were performed using a finite element analysis (FEA)-based simulation software. For each combination of material type and gear thickness, natural frequencies (Hz) and corresponding eigenvalues (1/s²) were obtained across six distinct vibration modes. The results indicate that both frequency and eigenvalue values vary significantly depending on the material type and gear thickness. It was observed that the thickness parameter has a substantial impact on the natural frequency in the lower modes. This comprehensive study graphically compares the vibrational behavior of different materials and thicknesses and provides a scientific basis for identifying the most suitable material–geometry combinations in terms of modal performance.