Process parameters of 4D printing which affect the shape memory effect of PLA

Process parameters of 4D printing which affect the shape memory effect of PLA

Best, Ivo (TU Delft Mechanical Engineering)

Jovanova, J. (mentor)
Chen, Qianyi (graduation committee)
Kumar, S. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Mechanical Engineering | Multi-Machine Engineering

2024-05-23

This masters thesis investigates the influence of various printing parameters on the shape memory effect of 3D printed objects, with a focus on fixity and recovery rates. Through a series of experimental tests, it was observed that printing temperature had minimal impact on fixity and recovery rates. However, correlations were identified between fixity rate and layer height, as well as between percentage infill and recovery rates. Lengthwise shrinkage, particularly prominent in samples with 0\% infill, was attributed to printing speed the formation of voids within the structure and layer height. Higher printing speeds were found to compromise mechanical properties while facilitating enhanced shape transformation responses. Additionally, changes in layer height led to observable alterations in the printed object's geometry, including bending and bulging, due to retained shape memory of the filaments original form. Moreover, certain 100\% infill samples exhibited an unexpected hardening phenomenon akin to annealing. These findings underscore the intricate interplay of printing parameters in determining shape memory properties, mechanical properties and highlight potential avenues for optimization in 3D printing processes.

4D Printing
Shape Memory Effect
Poly Lactic Acid
3D Printer

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5eae5bf8-aeb6-4522-8224-05efbf6da357

Student theses

master thesis

© 2024 Ivo Best