THE EFFECT OF NOZZLE DIAMETER AND LAYER THICKNESS ON MECHANICAL BEHAVİOUR OF 3D PRINTED PLA LATTICE STRUCTURES UNDER QUASI-STATIC LOADING

Abstract

Lattice structures are widely preferred because they have good properties such as lightness, high energy absorption capacity and strength. Moreover, these lattice structures can be produced by utilizing 3D printer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the mechanical behavior of the different printing parameters on the lattice structures. Firstly, FBCC and FBCCZ lattice structures were printed with various printing parameters such as nozzle diameter of 0.25 mm-0.4 mm and layer thickness of 0.1 mm–0.15 mm. Then, quasi-static compression tests were carried out to determine the mechanical behavior of lattice structures. Force-displacement behavior, equivalent elastic modulus and energy absorption capabilities of lattice structures printed with different parameters were calculated from the results of quasi-static compression test. According to the results, it was observed that the mechanical behavior was significantly affected when the nozzle diameter and layer thickness were changed. It was determined that the strength and energy absorption of the structures printed with a nozzle diameter of 0.25 mm and a layer thickness of 1.5 mm were decreased. In addition, it was observed that the effect of the printing parameters on the mechanical behavior can be different according to the lattice type and lattice rod diameter.