Mechanical evaluation of polymeric filaments and their corresponding 3D printed samples

3D printing technologies permits to produce functional parts with complex geometries, optimized topologies or enhanced internal structures. The relationship between mechanical performance and manufacturing parameters should be exhaustively analyzed to warrant the long term success of printed products. In this work, the mechanical performance of filaments based on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PLA/PHA) was investigated and also compared with their corresponding 3D printed samples. In general, the specimen dimensional deviations were found to be within the tolerances defined by the standard testing protocols. Density values revealed a high level of filament fusion promoting a nearly solid internal structure. The filaments exhibited improved tensile performance with respect to their corresponding printed samples. Tensile and bending performance looked quite independent of the raster angle. Izod impact behavior was increased, for ABS systems printed with the ±45° raster orientation. Quasi-static fracture tests displayed improved crack initiation resistance with the 0°/90° raster angle. The crack propagation observed for the ±45° specimens, through the bonding of the inter-layers, suggests weak entanglements. •3D printed samples displayed a nearly solid internal structure.•The filaments exhibited improved performance with respect to their corresponding printed samples.•Tensile and bending performance looked quite independent of the raster angle.•Printed samples with the 0°/90° raster angle displayed improved crack initiation resistance.•For the specimens printed with ±45° raster angle, crack propagated through inter-layer bonding suggesting weak entanglements.