Mechanical characterization and vibrational analysis of 3D printed PETG and PETG reinforced with short carbon fiber

In this study, mechanical characterization and vibration analysis of 3D printed Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) reinforced with short carbon fiber (PETG+CF) have been investigated. The 3D printed PETG with and without reinforcement was made based on the fused deposition method. The reinforcing effect on tensile properties evaluated experimentally using dumbbell specimen as per ASTM standards. It is observed that the reinforced PETG+CF samples exhibit better mechanical properties. The modulus of elasticity of reinforced improved by 29% and ultimate strength improved by 12% compared with PETG. Fractured surfaces observed after the tensile test using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Severe flow lines were observed in PETG due to ductile in nature. In PETG+CF the fiber is aligned with the axis of loading and distributed evenly could be the reason for improved properties. Further, 3D printed beams were fabricated to study the free vibration analysis. It is observed that the natural frequency improved by 18% in PETG+CF samples compared to PETG.