THE INFLUENCE OF ANNEALING ON SELECTED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PETG PRINTS PRODUCED BY FDM

This study examines the effect of annealing on the mechanical properties, deformation behaviour, and fracture mechanisms of PETG specimens fabricated using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). Samples with infill densities of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% were subjected to thermal treatment at 90°C, 100°C, and 110°C, followed by controlled cooling conditions. Mechanical performance was evaluated using tensile testing, while deformation processes were analysed via infrared thermography. The results demonstrate that annealing significantly influences strength, structural integrity, and failure behavior, with optimal performance observed near the glass transition temperature. The findings highlight the critical role of thermal post-processing in enhancing the performance of additively manufactured polymer components