Review

A Review on the Impact of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Material on Products Manufactured Using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Additive Manufacturing Method

Volume: 9 Number: 4 December 31, 2023
TR EN

A Review on the Impact of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Material on Products Manufactured Using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Additive Manufacturing Method

Abstract

This compilation article extensively examines the role and impact of Polylactic Acid (PLA) material in products manufactured using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing method. PLA, due to its biological compatibility, biodegradability, and excellent printing characteristics, is frequently favored as a material for three-dimensional (3D) printing via FDM. Presently, 3D printing technologies are rapidly proliferating across numerous industries and applications, with PLA playing a significant role in this technological advancement. PLA is a bioplastic, derived from corn starch or sugarcane, and serves as a renewable polymer. These attributes render PLA ideal for sustainable production and environmentally friendly applications. The utilization of PLA in FDM 3D printing offers advantages such as high resolution, strong adhesion, and ease of processing. Additionally, PLA's low thermal expansion coefficient ensures consistent printing of products. These properties of PLA enable its utilization across a wide array of applications, ranging from industrial prototypes to medical implants, packaging materials, and toys. However, PLA's performance and impact in the FDM 3D printing process can vary based on factors like printing parameters, infill patterns, and printing orientation. Printing parameters encompass factors such as PLA's melting temperature, feed rate, and layer thickness. Infill patterns and printing orientation significantly affect the mechanical durability, surface quality, and printing duration of the product. Hence, the identification and optimization of suitable parameters are crucial for the effective utilization of PLA in 3D printing. This compilation gathers research from the existing literature regarding PLA's role and performance in the FDM 3D printing process, encompassing PLA's structural and mechanical attributes, the influence of printing parameters and infill patterns, and the industrial applications of products manufactured using PLA. Specifically, the physical and chemical characteristics of PLA, optimization of printing parameters, geometry of infill patterns, printing orientation, and layer structure are examined. Furthermore, the focus is on the mechanical durability, surface quality, thermal behavior, and biological compatibility of products manufactured using PLA. This study aims to provide a comprehensive reference regarding the characteristics and performance of PLA to enhance the effective use of FDM 3D printing technology. It is intended to be a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and academics engaged in the fields of design and engineering. Additionally, it offers significant information for those interested in exploring PLA's potential for future development and new application domains.

Keywords

Additive Manufacturing , Fused Deposition Modeling , Polylactic Acid , Strength Testing , Polymer

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IEEE
[1]A. B. Keşkekçi, M. Özkahraman, and H. C. Bayrakçı, “A Review on the Impact of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Material on Products Manufactured Using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Additive Manufacturing Method”, GJES, vol. 9, no. 4, pp. 158–173, Dec. 2023, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA99EL26JN