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

Master thesis (2024)

Authors

I.S. Best Mechanical Engineering

Contributors

J. Jovanova Transport Engineering and Logistics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (mentor)
Qianyi Chen Transport Engineering and Logistics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (graduation committee member)
S. Kumar Fluid Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
More Info
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Published Date

23-05-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

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.