Title 3D printed parts exhibit superior elastic properties to milled ones
Authors Striška, Laisvidas ; Vaičiulis, Dainius ; Tolvaišienė, Sonata ; Udris, Dainius ; Kozulinas, Nikolajus ; Astrauskas, Rokas ; Ramanavičius, Arūnas ; Morkvėnaitė, Inga
DOI 10.3390/coatings15080963
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Is Part of Coatings.. Basel : MDPI. 2025, vol. 15, iss. 8, art. no. 963, p. 1-15.. ISSN 2079-6412
Keywords [eng] fused filament fabrication ; ABS plastic ; mechanical properties
Abstract [eng] While many studies on fused filament fabrication (FFF)-printed polymers focus on ultimate tensile strength or failure analysis, the elastic region of the stress–strain curve is frequently overlooked. However, in most engineering applications, components operate well within the elastic range. In mechanical joints, support frames, and other load-bearing structures, stiffness and elastic response are more critical than post-failure behavior, as these properties determine system performance during standard operating conditions before any damage occurs. This study examines the elastic properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components fabricated via FFF, with a focus on the impact of printing orientation and nozzle temperature. Tensile tests were performed according to ISO 527-2:1993, and the results were compared to those of milled ABS parts (referred to as FT). Two print orientations were studied: XT, where the layers are oriented perpendicular to the loading direction, and ZT, where the layers are aligned parallel to the loading direction (load-aligned). The study reveals that printing orientation has a significant impact on mechanical behavior. The specimens printed in the ZT orientation exhibited superior elastic modulus and tensile strength compared to the XT specimens and also outperformed the milled FT parts. At 245 °C, the ZT specimens achieved an average tensile strength of 41.0 MPa, substantially higher than the FT’s 31.1 MPa. Moreover, the ZT had approximately 12.6% higher elastic moduli than the FT (1.97 GPa ZT compared to 1.74 GPa FT). Although the FT parts showed higher strain at break, the ZT-printed parts demonstrated a stiffness and strength that suggest their viability as replacements for machined components in load-bearing applications.
Published Basel : MDPI
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description