Comparative Evaluation of PLA and PETG Drawer Slides and Conventional Metal Systems for Furniture

The increasing demand for sustainable and lightweight furniture systems has driven interest in additively manufactured polymer components as alternatives to conventional metal hardware. However, their performance at the functional assembly level under standardized loading conditions remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluates the feasibility of replacing metal drawer slides with fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based polymer alternatives fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Unlike previous studies focused on material-level characterization, this work investigates fully functional drawer slide assemblies integrated into medium-density fiberboard (MDF) systems, enabling component-level assessment under realistic conditions. Specimens were designed in SolidWorks and fabricated under controlled printing parameters. Commercial metal slides were used as benchmarks. Mechanical performance was tested according to BS EN standards, and deformation was measured at multiple points. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, Tukey HSD, and t-tests at a 95% confidence level. Results showed significant differences among materials (p < 0.05). Metal slides exhibited the highest stiffness and minimal deformation. PLA showed stable performance with minor surface degradation, while PETG demonstrated lower dimensional stability and premature failure due to higher compliance. Overall, PLA-based FDM components offer a cost-effective alternative for non-heavy-duty applications, whereas PETG requires further optimization. The study bridges additive manufacturing and real-world furniture component performance under standardized testing.