Exploring the Impact of 3D Printing Parameters on the Compression Strength of Recycled PLA Filament

Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic commonly utilized in 3D printing filaments, undergoes changes in properties upon recycling. This study investigates the impact of extrusion temperature and screw speed on the properties and dimensional attributes of recycled polylactic acid (PLA) filament, a widely used biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic in 3D printing. Recycled PLA pellets (3D850D) were extruded using a single filament extruder machine at temperatures ranging from 145 to 165 °C and screw speeds varying from 2 to 6 rpm. The extruded filaments were 3D printed into specimens with specific parameters, and mechanical testing was conducted according to ASTM D695 standards. The results revealed a significant influence of extrusion parameters on the filament's compressive strength, yield strength, and diameter. Optimal extrusion conditions of 155 °C and 5 rpm yielded the highest compressive strengths, while 5 rpm and 155 °C parameters produced filament diameters closest to commercial standards. These findings highlight the potential for optimizing the properties of recycled PLA filament by carefully controlling the extrusion parameters. The study supports using recycled PLA filament in the 3D printing industry as an environmentally friendly and performance-efficient material, contributing to sustainable additive manufacturing practices.