Comparative evaluation of PLA and PETG's mechanical characteristics for 3D-printed bone implant applications

This study examines the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) in relation to 3D-printed cranial implants. Using fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology, the materials were tested for tensile, bending, and impact toughness under various printing conditions (layer thickness, infill density, and infill pattern). The findings indicated that PETG exhibited superior impact toughness and flexural strength, making it ideal for load-bearing applications, while PLA demonstrated lower tensile strength, making it suitable for temporary implants. The study highlights the literature background on PETG's resilience and processing efficiency along with PLA's biodegradability and bio absorption to satisfy specific medicinal needs. These findings demonstrate how 3D printing can be utilized to produce patient-specific, biocompatible implants, increasing precision and lowering costs in biomedical applications. The improvement of material properties and printing parameters provides the foundation for improving the functionality of implants tailored to particular requirements.