Impact of 3D-printing structure on the tribological properties of polymers
Industrial Lubrication and Tribology
ISSN: 0036-8792
Article publication date: 2 March 2020
Issue publication date: 2 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of three-dimensional (3D)-printing process settings (particularly print orientation) on the tribological properties of different polymers.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, fused deposition modelling 3D-printing technology was used for fabricating the specimens. To evaluate the influence of print orientation, the test pieces were manufactured horizontally (X) and vertically (Z). The tribological properties of various printed polymers, which are polylactide acid, high tensile/high temperature-polylactide acid and polyethylene terephthalate-glycol have been studied. The tribological tests have been carried out under reciprocating sliding and dry condition.
Findings
The results show that the presence of various orientations during the 3D-printing process makes a difference in the coefficient of friction and the wear depth values. Findings suggest that printing structure in the horizontal orientation (X) assists in reducing friction and wear.
Originality/value
To date, there has been very limited research on the tribology of objects produced by 3D printing. This work was made as an attempt to pave the way for future research on the science of tribology of 3D-printed polymers.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme and the Mechanical Engineering Doctoral School, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary.
Citation
Hanon, M.M., Marczis, R. and Zsidai, L. (2020), "Impact of 3D-printing structure on the tribological properties of polymers", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 72 No. 6, pp. 811-818. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-05-2019-0189
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited