Multi-scale damage analysis and fatigue behavior of PLA manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM)

Purpose Fused deposition modeling (FDM) draws particular attention due to its ability fabricate components directly from a CAD data; however, the mechanical properties of produced pieces are limited. This paper aims present experimental aspect multi-scale damage analysis and fatigue behavior polylactic acid (PLA) manufactured by FDM. The main purpose this is analyze effect extruder temperature during process, loading amplitude, frequency on behavior. Design/methodology/approach Three specific case studies were analyzed compared with spool material for understanding bonding formation: single printed filament, two filaments three filaments. Specific experiments quasi-static tensile tests coupled microstructure observations performed analysis. A strong variation strength as function also presented. Findings obtained results show first observed phenomenon corresponds inter-layer filament interface at stress value 40 MPa. For instance, lifetime clearly depends frequency. Moreover, when 80 Hz, coupling thermal causes self-heating which decreases lifetime. Originality/value comprises useful data regarding FDM made PLA specimens. In fact, it evaluates process parameters (extruder temperature) based nature that classified thermally-driven process.