Thermal mechanical characterization of copolyester for additive manufacturing using FDM

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to highlight the thermal and mechanical characterization of printed copolyester-based polymer. The variety of benefits of this material, such as its food contact compliance and important mechanical properties, have proved to be effective in huge field of applications, including medical sector and packaging uses. However, it has not received much attention for 3D printing processes. As the printing temperature is a key parameter of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process, the present study is started by analyzing its effect on the mechanical properties of printed copolyester under tensile loading. Indeed, the determination of temperature optimal values to print this material with FDM process is done based on tensile properties, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, ultimate tensile and yield strength, ductility and fracture toughness. The fracture properties of printed copolyester are also discussed using “scanning electron microscopy” (SEM). The results indicate a strong effect of the extrusion temperature on tensile properties. In addition, the analysis of copolyester sample microstructure reveals several damage mechanisms within the printed parts that reflect different types of wires fracture form subjected to the same tensile loading.