The optimization of the production procedure in relation to the mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is a type of production technology which consists of stacking and unifying individual layers, to form a three-dimensional part with complex geometry, usually unobtainable by other means of production. Due to its working principle, i.e. stacking layers, the mechanical characteristics of the built part could be influenced by the construction angle. For metallic additively manufactured parts, it was reported that the mechanical behavior, cyclic deformation and fatigue behaviors are clearly influenced by the build orientation. To date, the number of reports concerning the mechanical behavior of polymer AM parts is relatively limited. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess whether the build orientation will have an impact on the traction and compression characteristics of standard samples built by FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), from polylactic acid filament. Samples were built at various inclination degrees. It was observed that the build orientation has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of parts, better behavior being observed for the specimens printed at 0 degrees building orientation