Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one of the most widely used filaments in the world of 3D printing since it is relatively easy to use. Though PLA is common in the industry, the melting point of PLA and the crystallization behavior during cooling play a major role in quality printing. This works as a propellant to fulfill the aim of this paper, which is focally describing the mechanical aspects of PLA along with the nuances of its thermal dynamics. The prining process focuses on optimal granule size as this will introduce the least amount of stress and result in a spherically symmetric flow of the risinid phase. In addition, the outline of this paper is intended for users willing to either fix issues with suboptimal prints beyond basic editing in CAD or perfect their techniques to boost efficiency and skill in 3D printing.
What is the PLA Melting Point, and why is it Important?
The melting point of PLA, or polylactic acid, usually lies between 130°C and 180°C based on its formulation as well as additives. This melting point is of particular importance because it affects the temperature needed to achieve optimal extrusion for 3D printing. Proper thermal management guarantees robust bonds between layers and minimizes stringing, warping, and retention of the material’s best attributes, like its sulface gloss. Operating within this range is critical for achieving optimal results with the printers.
Defining PLA’s Melting Point in 3D Printing
PLA (short for Polylactide) is one of the most frequently utilized thermoplastics in 3D scanning or printing, owing to its simplicity of use and environmental benefits. It is a semi-crystal polymer having a melting range between 170 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius. Besides, it is significant to state that PLA does not have a distinct melting point; rather, there is a range where PLA changes from solid to a softened state. This specific characteristic indicates the glassy transition temperature of the material, which is typically between 60 degrees Celsius and 65 degrees Celsius. These characteristics are important in modifying the printing parameters.
In the case of 3D printing with PLA, the extrusion or nozzle temperature is routinely set between 190°C and 220°C. This ensures that the PLA is in the right state for flow and maintains strong interlayer bonding. The bed temperature is also critical and can be set to about 50 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius to decrease warping and have optimal adhesion to the print bed. Furthermore, external temperature, the cooling fan speed, and specific formulations of each brand of PLA might influence these thermal settings.
Under these conditions, operators can work with PLA and retain the object’s structural integrity. This understanding builds on existing principles of 3D printing strategies and gives the users a starting point to improve and optimize the process, particularly when using specialty PLA blends targeted for specific uses.
How the Melting Point of PLA Affects the 3D Printing Process
The melting point of PLA varies from 180°C to 220°C, depending on the blend or formulation. This value is crucial for the extrusion phase of 3D printing, it determines the temperature at which the material will flow through the nozzle and stick to the print bed. The flow is critical for achieving precise temperature control; otherwise, outcomes like under-extrusion, stringing, or layer adhesion could occur.
Focus should be conducted on the specific ranges highlighted while still working with external parameters. A range is required; for instance, a standard blend of PLA works optimally around 200°C, however, formulated varieties such as high-temperature or composite PLA need fully devoted ranges to avoid clogs and adhere to tight bond requirements. The ambient condition of the PLA also affects the thermal behavior of the material. Room temperature and humidity also influence temperature control. Relative humidity surpassing 50% causes moisture absorption, which lowers extrusion consistency and print quality. Pre-drying the filament for three to four hours at a temperature of 40°C to 50°C eliminates these types of concerns.
Moreover, cooling is of great significance when it comes to the solidification phase. If the cooling speed is too high, it may lead to some degree of warping or delamination, especially in the case of PLA filaments printed close to the lower melting point. For standard PLA prints, a cooling fan set to 50% to 80% of its maximum speed is usually ideal, while specialty PLAs may require other adjustments depending on their thermal characteristics.
Taking all these factors into consideration and modifying the controls for temperature and other variables accordingly helps achieve optimum print quality and helps eliminate defects, ensuring consistent quality even with intricate or specialty-print designs.
Comparing PLA with Other 3D Printing MaterialsDo
When comparing PLA to the other common materials used in 3D printing, it is clear that the mechanical properties, ease of printing, environmental concerns, and cost are some of the main factors to consider.
Strength and Durability
While PLA is often regarded as the easiest material to work with, it also has the least tensile strength and durability when compared to ABS and PETG. For example, ABS offers greater impact resistance in addition to better thermal resistance compared to PLA. This makes ABS a preferred option for parts with a lot of mechanical stress, like automotive and industrial parts. In comparison, PETG provides a middle ground, offering better flexibility and impact resistance than PLA alongside heightened temperature resistance.
Ease of Printing
When it comes to printing, PLA is often the easiest material to use since it adheres to the build surface and does not need a heated bed. On the contrary, ABS requires strict temperature control, a heated bed to avoid warping, and it emits fumes during printing. PETG is considered easy to print as well, but it can be prone to stringing without the correct settings.
Environmental Aspects
PLA is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch and is compostable in industrial settings. In contrast, materials like ABS and PETG are non-biodegradable and petroleum based. However, home-compostable PLA has no biodegradability, and other material specific energy expended during its production should be factored in life-cycle assessments for 3D printing.
Thermal Strength
Additionally, due to PLA’s low glass transition temperature, the material is likely to warp under moderate heating conditions. This is Accosted with a range of 60-65°C, which is lower than its competitors ABS, which can withstand approx. 105°C and PETG, stable at 70-80°C.
Economical
For hobbyists and entry-level users, PLA’s low pricing alongside its affordability makes it a popular choice. Enhanced properties of ABS and PETG result in an increased price but remain well below the national average, leading them to be significantly more expensive than PLA.
Uses
Because of PLA’s rigidity and brittleness, it is best suited for low-stress activities and prototypes. Plastic parts where durability and strength are required, like enclosures or brackets, are best fulfilled with ABS. PETG is at its best when it comes to semi-flexible or chemicals, store safe containers, and protective coverings. that, along side its comparative greater melting point to PLA, makes it excel in these applications.
Every material has unique advantages and disadvantages, and picking the appropriate one entails carefully reviewing the mechanical aspects of the project, the level of environmental exposure, and the financial limits that are available for spending. Advances in material science continue to develop new materials for use in the above and increase the options for use in 3D printing.
How Do Temperature Settings Affect PLA 3D Printing?
Optimal Print Temperature for PLA Filament
The ideal print temperature for PLA filament is likely between 190 °C and 220°C. The best results are likely to be had with the specific brand and type of PLA in question, as some formulations might need small tweaks within this range. If there are issues with layer adhesion and extrusion, raise the temperature in small increments, starting at the lower end (190°C). Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for more accurate measurements tailored to the filament’s features.
Adjusting Bed Temperature for Better PLA Adhesion
The proper bed temperature greatly affects PLA prints adhesion level. Using a heated bed facilitates better adhesion of the first layer to the bed during the printing process, which helps to mitigate warping and lifting. Modified PLA requires a bed temperature of 50°C to70°C, the range will depend on the filament brand, the environment, and other factors.
A bed temperature near 50°C works well for basic PLA when the surroundings are not subject to changes. The bed temperature may need to be higher for colder environments or when using modified PLA with added materials; a standard range is 60°C-70°C. To maximize bed adhesion, ensure the build plate is clean and free of any debris; failure to do so would hinder proper adhesion. To better the adherence of the bed, adding a layer of adhesive material like painter’s tape or glue assists when dealing with stubborn PLA grades.
Research and practical experience in 3D printing emphasize the significance of an evenly distributed bed temperature. An unevenly heated bed may create some deformations on the print’s base, which leads to a greater difference in depth between layers. Consequently, getting a heated bed with a reasonable temperature gradient as well as utilizing ‘calibration’ tools like calibration sheets will greatly enhance the quality of the final 3D-printed object.
Consequences of Incorrect Temperature Range on PLA
Failure to adhere to the recommended temperature ranges for PLA can lead to concerns regarding print quality and material integrity. Printing PLA at low temperatures, in this case below 190°C, typically results in under-extrusion which greatly reduces layer adhesion. Brittle prints, poor structural stability, and weakness during stress are common complaints. Surface quality also suffers with massive gaps and ridges being commonplace.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, PLA is particularly sensitive to overheating; excessive temperatures bring out stringing, oozing, and blob formation on the print. These conditions greatly compromise the PLA material as it suffers from discoloration and a reduction in tensile strength. Additional research suggests that consistent overheating above 220°C can greatly increase the chance of clogged nozzles due to carbonization of the filament within the extruder.
Inexperience with temperature control also poses a threat of warping on the print bed, especially when coupled with a lack of proper cooling mechanisms. The problem stems from a lack of calibration on the heated bed, coupled with uncontrolled thermal shrinkage, resulting in prints that have no structural or dimensional accuracy. Technical studies have already pointed out that the controlled variation of extrusion temperature significantly alters the crystallization rate of PLA for a given print, which exacerbates the destruction of material properties.
To avoid such problems and maintain the structural integrity and dependability of the printed model, it is important to make use of thermal monitoring tools during the printing process, as well as to perform temperature tuning tests regularly. Employing these techniques helps sustain ideal mechanical properties and visual appeal in PLA-based materials.
Why Does PLA Melt Inside a Hot Car?
Understanding PLA’s Glass Transition Temperature
Typically, PLA’s glass transition temperature falls between 60°C and 65°C (140°F to 149°F). PLA changes from a hard, inflexible material into a soft, flexible one at this temperature. Printed PLA objects would deform or lose their structural integrity when placed in a car interior, which, on hot days, can take direct sunlight surpassing these temperatures. Therefore, PLA faces challenges during conditions of heightened temperatures, rendering it inappropriate for use in delicate heat-sensitive applications. In other words, PLA is not suitable for high-temperature environments.
Impacts of Heat Deflection Temperature on PLA
The Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) is crucial in identifying the performance benchmarks of PLA thermoplastics, especially withstanding thermal stress. HDT is defined as the level of temperature a material deforms when a pre-defined load is applied; this reflects the material’s capability to retain stiffness in a hot environment. The values for HDT for standard PLA is in the range of 50 – 60 degrees Celsius (122°F and 140°F). This value, relative to other thermoplastics, is on the lower side. This characteristic poses challenges to the applicability of PLA, which is intended for use in high-temperature facilities.
To solve the aforementioned issue, new PLA formulations are being actively worked on. Additionally, the annealing process, in which the printed part is reheated to its glass transition temperature and is permitted to cool slowly, can enhance thermal stability by increasing the amount of crystalline structure in the PLA. Other PLA blends or composites with fillers like talc also raise the HDT to above 100°C (212°F) making it practical for high temperature and industrial uses.
Choosing an appropriate type of PLA concerning its thermal properties is crucial for achieving reliable performance. For instance, these would include food packaging, automotive parts, and outdoor peripherals. These applications would require the use of high-HDT PLA blends to avert functional impairment or thermal deformation. The approaches undertaken—guideline-planned or otherwise—along with PLA materials tested drive their frameworks materials interfaced with intended use environment thermally resistive, especially when facing thermal impositions.
Preventing Deformation of PLA in High Temperatures
It is important to take material changes and design changes in the geometry for modification concerning the development of risks related to deformation in PLA (Polylactic Acid) due to increases in temperatures. One of the best approaches is the use of high-heat PLA blends, which contain modifications such as talc or other fillers that enhance the Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of the material. After undergoing annealing, high-heat PLA has been known to possess HDT values of 100-120°C in comparison with standard PLA, which has a range of 55-65°C. This increase allows for moderate thermal resistance, making it applicable for use in circumstances wherein moderate heat is required.
Annealing is also critical in tailoring the thermal stability of PLA objects. This is achieved by raising the heating temperature of the PLA parts to just lower than its melting point, which can be around 80-120°C for some formulations. The purpose of this is to enable crystallization of polymer chains. Additionally, annealed samples tend to have more structural integrity and very little resistance to deformation during high-temperature occurrences. However, one needs to be careful of some level of shrinkage that occurs, which can alter the measurements during the dimensioning process.
One of the strategies being adopted is implementing composite materials of PLA with reinforcing fillers such as carbon or glass fiber. These composites not only improve thermal stability but also enhance the mechanical properties of the material to withstand more severe operating conditions. For instance, some studies suggest that carbon fiber-reinforced PLA can exhibit an HDT improvement of about 130°C, which makes it suitable for more rigorous applications.
Lastly, design also plays an important role for enabling greater heat tolerance. Reduction of deformation owing to the thermal stress concentrated to a certain area can be achieved in thick wall sections, ribs or fillets, and cupped ventilation holes in heat exposed zones that result in better thermal stress concentration management. Redesigning the part geometry to enable more uniform heat dissipation ensures that areas of concern are mitigated during actual operations.
The combination of optimal material selection, thorough post-processing, and shift in design approach, such as incorporating annealing, enables claimable improvements on the performance of PLA in extreme application requirements for high temperatures.
Is PLA an Environmentally Friendly 3D Printing Material?
The Biodegradable Nature of PLA
Indeed, PLA is noted as an eco-friendly 3D printing material because of its compostable characteristics. It is produced from renewable materials such as corn starch or sugarcane and can decompose in an industrial composting environment, which lessens its environmental effects than petroleum-based plastics. It is critical to mention that the correct disposal methods are important, as its degradation is not fully achieved under landfill conditions.
Comparing PLA and PETG in Terms of Sustainability
Analyzing PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) to their sustainability reveals their impacts. PLA is considered more sustainable and hypoallergenic as it is made from renewable resources such as corn starch. PLA is also considered biodegradable, composting industrially within months. Still, PLA does not degrade in landfills or oceans due to the lack of high temperatures and microorganisms.
On the other hand, PETG is a copolyester plastic derived from petroleum sources. While PETG is non-biodegradable and contributes to pollution, it’s durable and can be recycled by facilities that accept plastics labeled #1 (PET). PETG’s nondegrading nature adds to long-lasting pollution.
Carbon Footprint
Renewable feedstocks make PSA’s carbon footprint lower than that of PETG. Research suggests PLA production emits about 68% less greenhouse gas than petroleum-based plastics. On the other hand, PETG undergoes energy intensive synthesis during production which increases emissions. However, the impact can be reduced by reusing the PETG. Its longevity means emissions are offset if the material is recycled or repurposed efficiently.
End-of-Life Considerations
For end-of-life management, PLA has an overreliance on industrial composting facilities, which are not common. Buried in landfills wastes PLA’s sustainability advantages. Alternatively, PLA PETG might be a reasonable choice for areas with well-developed recycling systems. Because of its higher resistance to mechanical degradation, PETG sustains the material’s integrity during several recycling processes, thus lowering the need for new material production.
Summary of Sustainability Metrics
|
Aspect |
PLA |
PETG |
|---|---|---|
|
Source Material |
Renewable (e.g., corn, sugarcane) |
Non-renewable (petroleum-based) |
|
Biodegradability |
Biodegradable (industrial composting) |
Non-biodegradable |
|
Carbon Footprint (Production) |
Lower than standard plastics |
Higher due to petroleum dependency |
|
Recycling |
Limited (not widely accepted in standard recycling) |
Widely recyclable (#1 PET streams) |
|
Lifecycle Longevity |
Shorter (decomposes quickly in specific conditions) |
Longer (durable and reprocessable) |
By balancing these factors, the choice between PLA and PETG should be tailored to the specific application and the waste management systems available. PLA may be better suited for short-term uses with accessible composting options, while PETG proves advantageous in applications requiring durability and recyclability.
How to Print with PLA for Optimal Mechanical Properties?
Enhancing Layer Adhesion in PLA Printsthe
For improving mechanical strength and overall stability for lower temperature resistant materials, optimal layer adhesion in PLA prints is critical. Multiple dynamics can affect how layers bond during 3D printing:
Temperature Optimization for Printing
Correct setting of PLA printing temperature is critical for adequate adhesion. Depending on the specific brand composition, PLA has a printing range of 190 to 220 degrees Celcius. Some studies suggest that increasing the nozzle temperature slightly, for example 200 degrees to 210 degrees, results in enhanced bonding between layers of filament due to better flow which aids interlayer adhesion. High stringing or thermal degradation might still result from excessive bobbing.
Speed of the Print
Within a range of 40-60 mm/s, reduced speed has been known to improve layer adhesion. This allows sufficient time for the molten PLA to bond with the previously printed layer before cooling. Increased speed runs the risk of weaker prints due to inadequate interlayer connections.
Adjustment of Cooling Fans and Bed Temperature
A heated bed set to 50°C to 60°C may improve adhesion of the first layers to the print surface, further supporting integrity of the print. Moreover, cooling fans must be fine-tuned as well. Reducing cooling fan speeds during the first few layers or during critical parts of the print enhances interlayer adhesion due to slower cooling.
Calibrating the Multiplier of the Extrusion
The extrusion multiplier (or flow rate) should be set and calibrated to the correct value to ensure there is sufficient material extruded during printing. Not enough material (under-extrusion of the nozzle) creates gaps between layers while over extruding the nozzle may lead to defects such as blobs. Calibrated flow rate value which is usually the default value set at 100% gives consistent bonding of the layers.
Environmental Conditions and Quality of the Surface Finish
Maintaining the cleanliness and temperature stability of the printing environment is important. The dust contaminating the surface on which the print is placed may lower the adhesion of the bottom layer while unregulated draft and even vibrations may impact the layers that follow. The printing environment should be maintained free from drafts or vibrations to ensure stability.
The measures above highlight how setting parameters for printing can improve adhesion for PLA models, making them stronger, more durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
Improving the Tensile Strength of PLA
Strengthening the tensile properties of PLA requires the enhancement of material characteristics and the 3D printing PLA process. One effective technique involves annealing—a post-printing heat treatment aimed at PLA’s molecular structure enhancement. During annealing, printed parts undergo a heating process at a set temperature—usually about 100°C to 120°C (212°F to 248°F)—during which polymer chain reorganization and nucleation occur. This renewal during post-printing treatment leads to further ordered crystalline structure raised, therefore improving tensile strength and thermal resistance of PLA at the same time. There are possibilities of some shrinkage or deformation, but if annealing is sustained under control, the outcome is highly positive.
Moreover, blending PLA with other materials has been shown to enhance its mechanical properties. For example, composite PLA filaments reinforced with carbon and glass fibers have shown balancing in the weight and toughness of the filaments alongside increased tensile strength. One research indicated that the tensile strength of carbon fiber reinforced PLA was 71.44 MPa while normal PLA had an average of 50-60 MPa.
Every 3D print comes with its own set of challenges, and reinforcing the tensile strength for a specific print can be achieved by adjusting the printing parameters. Selecting a gizmo or cubic style for the infill alongside a density increase will aid in uniform stress distribution, while a gentle layer increase will add to the bond between the layers. Setting the temperature for PLA around the 200-220 degree Celsius mark will help reinforce the bonds between the layers as well.
PLA’s crucial impact in the stratosphere is its high mechanical performance and durability and additives such as impact modifiers greatly enhance the flexibility and strength of the PLA, making it easier to modify and greatly beneficial for casual engineers and hobbyists.
Reducing Warp and Ensuring Dimensional Stability
Warping continues to be a widespread problem in the 3D printing world, especially with materials such as ABS and custom PLA blends. The best strategies to mitigate warping seem to be a mixture of proper bed setup, environmental control, and material-specific techniques.
Bed Adhesion Techniques
Wardens supporting a 3D printer’s base are crucial for preventing material warping and shrinking due to high temperatures. The use of glue sticks, sprays, or even specialty 3D printing adhesives can significantly improve the printer’s first layer adhesion and thus prevent corner lifting. Heated beds also contribute to the material softening and pliability, and recommended temperatures are approximately 60°C for PLA and 90-110°C for ABS. Further, the use of flexible build PEI (polyetherimide) plates that can be detached after the completion of the print contributes to enhanced results by forming consistent adhesion layers.
Temperature Management
The control of a thermal environment lowers the differentials and stress within and across the print layers, enhancing overall quality. For materials like nylon and ABS, enclosed print chambers are highly recommended since they tend to trap heat and shield the prints from external flow. Statistical testing proves that chambered printing for ABS enhances prints dimensionally in terms of distortions by up to 30%. Moreover, soft cooling contributes greatly to the enhancement of even contraction and helps avoid cracks and deformation across layers without the material upper layers hardening quickly.
Optimization by Material
Selecting the optimal material for your project directly affects dimensional stability. Recent PLA variants blended with low-shrinkage polymers display significantly less warping than older formulations. Likewise, other materials like PETG, with a lower thermal expansion coefficient, possess greater dimensional accuracy during cooling cycles.
Slicing Modifications
Advanced slicing methodologies can alleviate internal stresses. Slower print speeds and larger brim or skirt trims permit better adhesion area, thus providing more surface area to anchor prints. Cooling consistency, and thus layer-by-layer cooling, is greatly improved for PLA when the fan settings are increased and moderated for ABS.
Implementing the described practices, along with the bespoke optimized printing procedures, creates an environment for the incidence of warping to be minimized. Precision is achieved on all parts, be it for prototyping, functional parts, or decorative models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the melting point of PLA in the world of 3D printing?
A: In the case of 3D printing and FDM 3D printing in particular, the melting point of PLA or polylactic acid is between 180°C to 220°C. The melting point is low in comparison to other 3D printing materials, which is what makes the PLA so popular.
Q: Why is PLA considered a popular material in 3D printing?
A: The popularity of PLA stems from the fact that it can easily be printed with as well as derived from renewable resources like sugarcane and has a lower melting point as compared to other thermoplastics. PLA is particularly useful for the prototyping stage and for other 3D printed parts.
Q: How does PLA compare to other plastics like ABS in terms of melting temperature?
A: Compared to ABS, which is known to have a higher printing temperature, PLA has an easier to work with melting point. This means identical to ABS, PLA is simpler to use compared to more advanced 3D printers that do not have features like heated beds.
Q: What are the characteristics of PLA that make it suitable for 3D printing?
A: The material properties of PLA, such as being biodegradable, less prone to warping, renewable materials, and lower thermal expansion, make it suitable for various applications in 3D printing.
Q: How does the glass transition temperature of PLA affect 3D printing?
A: The glass transition temperature of PLA is approximately between 60°C to 65°C. This suggests that PLA may begin to deform at these temperatures which raises some considerations for the stability of parts that are printed under conditions that may be exposed to heat.
Q: What role does crystallinity play in the use of PLA for 3D printed parts?
A: Crystallinity affects the mechanical properties of PLA as well as its thermal resistance. This also indicates that higher crystallinity, while enhancing the strength and heat resistance of the printed part, creates additional brittleness which can impact the overall 3D printing experience.
Q: Can poly-lactic acid be utilized in the creation of a functional prototype?
A: Yes, PLA is frequently utilized in the making of functional prototypes primary because it is easy to work with and offers a favorable surface finish. However, materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyethylene terephthalate are more suitable for applications which require greater strength and thermal resistance.
Q: What is the recommended extrusion temperature when printing with PLA?
A: For PLA, the recommended extrusion temperature is generally from 190°C to 210°C for different brands and formulations. The parameters should be changed to the type of printer and nozzle for the best outcome.
Q: In what ways does the renewable nature of PLA affect its adoption in 3D printing?
A: PLA’s origin from renewable materials such as corn and sugarcane makes it an appealing option for 3D printing enthusiasts. Unlike plastic sourced from petroleum, PLA is a more environmentally friendly product and, therefore, more sustainable.
Reference Sources
1. Characterization of Physical, Morphological, and Mechanical Properties of Poly-Lactic Acid/Graphene (PLA/GNPs) Biopolymer Composites using Fused Deposition Modelling
- Authors: Nurul Fatihah Ab Ghani et al.
- Published: 2024-12-05
Key Findings:
- The study analyzes effects of 1%, 3%, and 5% weight percentage of GNP fillers on the properties of PLA composites. Graphene nanoplatelets are reported to influence the properties of PLA composites.
- DSC showed that the addition of GNPs caused a lowering of Tm in the melting temperature of the composites.
- The greatest increase in tensile modulus was 1.29 GPa noticed at 5 wt% GNPs, which means adding GNPs improved the composite’s mechanical properties.
Methodology:
- The composites PLA/GNPs were processed into granules for additive manufacturing using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), and GNPs were added using a double planetary mixer.
- To assess the thermal properties and mechanical performance, various tests like DSC, were performed.
2. Impact of Lignin and TiO2 on the Structure and Properties of PLA Composites: A Hybrid Approach of Computer Simulations and Laboratory Work
- Authors: Man Liu et al.
- Published: 2024-09-10
Key Findings:
- The research analyzes the influence of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and lignin on the mechanical performance of foamed PLA composites.
- It was discovered that the incorporation of TiO2 increases the melting point and compression strength of the PLA composites.
- Enhancements to the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA composites were achieved by determining the optimal foaming temperatures.
Methodology:
- The work carried out is a molecular dynamics simulation analysis with experimentation on the composites aimed at the validation of the computational results.
- Mechanical testing was performed alongside the foaming process, which utilized supercritical carbon dioxide as a solvent.
3. The Influence of Ambient Relative Humidity on the Mechanical Properties of FDM 3D Printed PLA Components
- Authors: M. Demirtaş, Emir Avcioglu
- Published: 2023-04-24
Key Findings:
- This work looks at the effects of ambient relative humidity on both the mechanical and thermal properties of FDM printed PLA samples.
- The relative positive impact on the mechanical properties as relative humidity increases was elucidated, as well as the notable impact on melting point and crystallization temperature.
Methodology:
- Engineering thermoplastics based on PLA were printed and mechanically tested at different humidity levels.
- Thermal properties such as melting point were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
