Effect of process parameters on mechanical and tribological characteristics of FDM printed glass fiber reinforced PLA composites

PurposeAdditive manufacturing of polymer composites is a transformative technology that leverages the benefits of both composite material and 3D printing to produce highly customizable, lightweight and efficient composites for a wide range of applications.Design/methodology/approachIn this research work, glass fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) filament is used to print the specimen via fusion deposition modeling process. The process parameters such as infill densities (40%, 50% and 60%) and raster angle/orientations (0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees) are varied, and the specimens for tensile, flexural, impact, hardness and wear testing are prepared as per their respective ASTM standards.FindingsThe results revealed that with an increase in infill density, the mechanical properties of glass fiber-PLA specimens increase progressively. Optimal tensile properties and flexural properties are obtained at 0 degrees and 90 degrees raster angle orientations and 60% infill density. Minimum wear rate is achieved at 0 degrees raster angle orientation and it increases at 45 degrees and 90 degrees raster angle orientations.Originality/valueUsing SEM, the microscopic analysis of the fractured specimen was analyzed to study the interface between the fibers and matrix and it indicates the presence of good adhesion between the layers at 60% infill density and 0 degrees print orientation.