Effect of Fillers on Mechanical Properties of FDM printed PLA Components

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is the most accessible additive technology nowadays, because it combines the low cost and simplicity of the machine with the low cost and availability of the thermoplastic polymers. This class of polymers are however limited and in order to increase the application range of the products, mixing polymeric matrix with various fillers can be a solution.The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of the functional fillers incorporated in PLA thermoplastic on the mechanical properties of the obtained components. In addition, the layer orientation in relation to the loading direction will be considered as a study variable. All samples were manufactured under the same conditions using the same FDM machine. The effect of carbon / glass fibers and bronze particle fillers on the PLA matrix in comparison with the pure PLA filament was evidenced by tensile and flexural testes. The results were then interpreted based on the two criteria: filler type and layer deposition in accordance to the loading direction. It was determined that regardless of the type of test (tensile or flexural), the mechanical behavior is strongly influenced by the type of filler in the matrix. The most ductile behavior was showed by the pure PLA samples, and the most brittle by the PLA reinforced with carbon fibers.