Optimization of 3D printed PLA triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures and printing parameters using desirability function analysis
摘要
Additive Manufacturing is based on the principle of constructing three-dimensional objects layer by layer. Numerous parameters influence the quality of a print, which then impacts its mechanical properties. This study focuses on the influence different parameters have while printing various Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures. The study aimed to analyze the mechanical performance of the I-WP, F-RD, and PMY topologies, while also investigating the effects of unit cell size and printing layer height to identify the most effective parameters. This was investigated through a series of nine experimental runs designed using the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array method. Two samples from each test iteration were 3D printed with Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament using an Ultimaker 2 + printer, and compression tests were performed using a Universal Testing Machine at 10 mm/min strain rate. The compression modulus, yield strength, plateau stress, resilience, and energy absorption of the different samples were found by analyzing the stress-strain data obtained from the tests, and Desirability Function Analysis was used to analyze the results. Unit cell size was seen to have the greatest influence on mechanical behaviour, with a size of 2 mm consistently providing superior performance across all topologies. The F-RD topology demonstrated the highest toughness, resilience, and plateau stress, due to its continuous shell-like structure, reducing stress distributions. Layer height had the lowest influence, with 0.15 mm providing improved interlayer bonding and slightly enhanced overall mechanical performance.
Graphical Abstract