Effect of copper or carbon fiber addition to the 3D printing of polylactid samples

Abstract

This paper presents the effect of additives on the quality of a product created by 3D print. The product is created by the most widely used 3D printing method - Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Polylactic acid (PLA) filaments are tested without and with the addition of carbon fibers or copper. The specimens are characterized by different methods, such as mechanical testing, measuring roughness by digital microscope with a large depth of field and thermal analysis. In fact, FDM is a problematic process with numerous criterions that affect printing quality. Printing parameters such as print temperature, pad temperature, print speed for 3D printing, printing orientation etc. have an important impact on the performance and quality of FDM components. Due to the correct parameters, the product of the required quality with a longer service life is obtained. The results of testing show that the quantity and choice of the right ingredient has a major impact on the mechanical properties and overall quality of the investigated product.