Tribology behaviour investigation of 3D printed polymers

Abstract

3D printing of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) were used to prepare specimens utilising fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology. Two colours of PLA filament were printed; white and grey, whereas ABS only in white colour. Determining the tribological properties of 3D printed samples have been carried out, through obtaining the frictional features of different 3D printable filaments. Alternating-motion system employed for measuring the tribological factors. Studying the difference between static and dynamic friction factors and the examination of wear values were included. A comparison among the tribological behaviour of the 3D printed polymers has been investigated. The printed white ABS and PLA specimens show insignificant differences in the results tendency. On the contrary, the grey PLA exhibits a considerable variation due to the incredible growth in the coefficient of friction and wear average as well.