Effect of 3D Printing Process Parameters on the Tensile Strength of Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 05 | Page : 128 140
    By

    Aniket Kolekar,

  • Amol Mali,

  • Ganesh Jadhav,

  • Sunil Dambhare,

  • Sandesh Solepatil,

  • Vikas Dive,

  • Rita Kakade,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune, Maharshtra, India
  7. Assistant Professor, ASM Institute of Business Management and Research, Chinchwad, Pune, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

This study employs the Taguchi approach to systematically analyze and optimize critical Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) parameters, focusing on their effect on the tensile strength of 3D-printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) components. The study explores three levels of layer thickness (0.15 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.3 mm), infill densities (25%, 50%, and 75%), and nozzle temperatures (200°C, 205°C, and 210°C) across three infill patterns: Triangular, Gyroid, and Zig-zag. A total of nine experimental runs were conducted using the L9 orthogonal array design of experiments (DOE), and the mechanical performance was evaluated through tensile testing in accordance with ISO 527 standards. The findings revealed that infill density had the greatest impact on tensile strength, with layer thickness and nozzle temperature being the next most significant parameters. Among the tested patterns, the triangular infill yielded the highest tensile strength of 45.03 MPa at 75% infill density, 0.15 mm layer thickness, and 210°C nozzle temperature. The tensile performance was validated using COMSOL Multiphysics finite element simulations, showing close agreement with experimental results. Statistical analysis using MINITAB-18 and ANOVA confirmed the significance of the parameters. This comprehensive study not only identifies optimal parameter combinations for PLA-based 3D printing but also provides valuable insights for improving the structural performance of FDM components in engineering applications.

Keywords: 3D Printing, polylactic acid (PLA), MINITAB-18 ANOVA, taguchi method, tensile strength.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Aniket Kolekar, Amol Mali, Ganesh Jadhav, Sunil Dambhare, Sandesh Solepatil, Vikas Dive, Rita Kakade. Effect of 3D Printing Process Parameters on the Tensile Strength of Polylactic Acid (PLA). Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):128-140.
How to cite this URL:
Aniket Kolekar, Amol Mali, Ganesh Jadhav, Sunil Dambhare, Sandesh Solepatil, Vikas Dive, Rita Kakade. Effect of 3D Printing Process Parameters on the Tensile Strength of Polylactic Acid (PLA). Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):128-140. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=225092


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 05
Received 11/06/2025
Accepted 01/07/2025
Published 29/07/2025
Publication Time 48 Days
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