Folding Endurance Appraisal for Thermoplastic Materials Printed in Fusion Deposition Technology

The anisotropic behavior of the fusion deposition modeling (FDM) machines could change the mechanical properties of the materials in the layer by layer technology. In general, the tensile, compressive and flexural strength are decreased against molded plastics. Some lasting products need the iteration of low flexural strength and high elongation to obtain an effective flexibility to bend in repetitive movements. The present work provides an analysis of the capacity of several selected thermoplastics materials such as Nylon (PA), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG), Polylactide (PLA), Polyurethane (TPU) and Polypropylene (PP) in order to test the maximal load capacity and the number of folding cycles sustained in perpendicular direction of movement. Results demonstrate that those of similar to injected molded products, PP and TPU materials surpass one million of cycles in the folding test. Yet, in axial load they have lower strength against the other considered materials.