Mechanical properties of 3D-printed polylactide carbon fiber based on fused deposition modeling

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, especially using fused deposition modeling (FDM), enables the creation of complex shapes while reducing material waste via a layer-by-layer deposition method. Determining the optimal printing parameters to improve the mechanical properties of printed components is a considerable problem. This study investigates the influence of printing factors, such as layer thickness, infill density, and printing speed, on the tensile and compressive properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-carbon fiber composites. A Taguchi orthogonal array design was utilized to examine nine experimental combinations of printing parameters and their impact on mechanical p. The results demonstrate that a layer thickness of 0.4 mm and an infill density of 80% yield a maximum tensile strength of 54.98 MPa. A layer thickness of 0.3 mm, an infill density of 80%, and a printing speed of 60 mm/s yield a compressive strength of 63.19 MPa. This study offers a thorough examination of parameter interactions and their effects, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy, setting it apart from previous research. The results offer substantial insights for optimizing the FDM process related to PLA-carbon fiber composites.