Influence of Basic 3D Printing Parameters on Mechanical Properties pf PLA Biopolymer Prints by FDM Method

With the rapid advancement of 3D printing technology and increasing demands for production efficiency, it is essential to verify the impact of key process parameters on the mechanical properties of printed parts. Optimizing print speed, temperature, and path orientation is critical to ensuring the repeatability and durability of manufactured components, especially in engineering and industrial applications. Polyactide (PLA) is a plant-based polymer that is one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing with FDM/FFF technology. The article presents the results of a study on the mechanical properties, specifically tensile strength and bending strength, of specimens manufactured using a Creality K2 Plus 3D printer with PLA. The tests were conducted in accordance with ISO 527-2 for tensile testing and ISO 178 for bending testing on a Stable Micro Systems TA-XT plus Texture Analyser. The filament for printing was extruded on an Artme3D MK3S filament extruder to a diameter of 1.75 mm. The specimens were printed in combinations involving changes in the three crucial printing parameters: temperature (190°C, 200°C, 210°C), printing speed (100 mm·s⁻¹, 150 mm·s⁻¹, 200 mm·s⁻¹) and the layer angle (15°, 30°, 45°, 90°). The study showed that both tensile strength and bending strength are most affected by temperature. Moreover, the optimal printing parameters for the specimens were determined for tensile strength (T=210°C, V=150 mm·s⁻¹, R=0°) and bending strength (T=200°C, V=200 mm·s⁻¹, R=0°).