Stiffness Prediction of 3D Printed Lattice Designs with Continuous Carbon Fibers Based Polylactic Acid Resin

This research paper explores the influence of infill patterns on the tension and compression strength of 3D printed parts using polylactic acid (PLA) material. The study utilized an ASTM D638 and 50 × 50 × 50 mm cube as investigated models with three different infill patterns in each case. The infill patterns that were investigated included line lattice (0/0), grid (0/90), grid (−45/45), and triangle (−30,30). The ASTM D638 models will be tested by tension force whereas the cubic models will be tested by compression force. The results of the study showed that the infill pattern, line (0/0) in case of ASTM D638 and triangle (−30/30) in case of the cube, provided higher tension and compression strength compared to other patterns. It was revealed that each pattern’s microstructure is a crucial factor determining the mechanical properties of the printed parts. The findings of this study suggest that selecting the appropriate infill pattern could enhance the mechanical performance of 3D printed parts made from PLA material. Additionally, this research provides valuable insights into how selecting different infill patterns could influence the tension and compression strength of 3D printed parts produced from PLA material. Moreover, combining continuous carbon fiber (CCF) reinforcement with PLA resin can greatly enhance the strength of the models. It is the first step to expand the application of 3D printed parts with CCF.