Evaluation of the Shock Absorption Capacity of Polymeric Specimens Manufactured by 3D Printing

ABSTRACT In the current context, due to the accelerated development of additive manufacturing, parts made of polymeric materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) manufactured by 3D printing are increasingly used. Such applications can be used, for example, in situations involving dynamic loads, where the shock energy absorption properties are essential for the safety and durability of various equipment. In the paper, the shock absorption capacity of polylactic acid specimens, with different values ​​of the infill, is investigated by measuring the height to which a ball is lifted when it is allowed to fall freely on the surface of the specimen. The experimental results were used to determine an empirical mathematical model that highlights some test conditions on the ball lifting height.