Assessment of the mechanical properties of PC/ABS blends for functional prototyping by FFF 3D printing
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 6 October 2023
Issue publication date: 7 February 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) filaments for fusion filament fabrication (FFF). PC/ABS have emerged as a promising material for FFF due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the optimal processing conditions and the effect of the blending ratio on the mechanical properties of the resulting workpieces are still unclear.
Design/methodology/approach
A statistical factorial matrix was designed, including infill pattern, printing speed, nozzle size, layer height and printing temperature as factors (with three levels). A total of 810 workpieces were printed using PC/ABS blends filament with the FFF. The workpieces’ finishing and mass were evaluated. Tensile tests were performed. Analysis of variance was performed to determine the main effects of the processing conditions on the mechanical properties.
Findings
The results showed that the PC/ABS (70/30) exhibited higher tensile. Tensile rupture corresponded to 30% of the tensile strength. The infill pattern showed the highest contribution to the responses. The concentric pattern showed higher tensile strength. Tensile strength and mass ratio demonstrated the influence of mass on tensile strength. The influence of printing parameters on deformation depended on the blend proportions. Higher printing speed and lower layer height provided better quality workpieces.
Originality/value
This study has implications for the design and manufacturing of three-dimensional printed parts using PC/ABS filaments. An extensive experimental matrix was applied, aiming at a complete understanding of mechanical behavior, considering the main printing parameters and combinations not explored by literature.
Keywords
Citation
De Assis, C.L.F. and Rampazo, C.A. (2024), "Assessment of the mechanical properties of PC/ABS blends for functional prototyping by FFF 3D printing", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 214-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-04-2023-0153
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited