The Effect of 3D Printing Process Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of PLA Parts

Abstract Taking the PLA molded by FDM as the research object, the influence of various process parameters on mechanical properties is investigated through comparative experiments, which provides reference and help for the promotion and application of FDM molding technology. During the molding process, the PLA material undergoes the process of melting to solidification, thus the performance of the molded part is worse than the original due to thermal shrinkage and other reasons. To improve the quality and mechanical properties of the molded parts, the experiment is designed using an orthogonal test method in parallel with nine different sets of process parameters (layer thickness, build direction, filling speed, and infill density, etc.). Ultimately, the mechanical properties of PLA are tested and the results are analyzed respectively to determine the main factors affecting the mechanical properties and their optimal level combination. Among them, fill rate is the crucial factor in compressive property, while build direction has a significant effect on surface roughness, tensile property and bending property.