Analysis of the Elastic Behavior of Selected Types of Plastic Materials Used in 3D Printing

This article analyzes the elastic behavior of 3D printed plastic materials, using FDM technology, to understand how they react to mechanical compressive stresses and to determine the limits of reversible deformation. In this research, a series of compression tests were performed on specimens made of five types of plastics: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PLA + Cu (polylactic acid with 40% copper), PLA (polylactic acid), PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol), and Nylon. Specimens were made using 3D printing technology on the same 3D printer using identical printing parameters: infill, layer height, and, in some specimen cases, the printing speed (in the case of PLA specimens and PLA + Cu), etc. By monitoring the deformation of the specimens following the application of a controlled compressive force on them, various aspects of the elastic behavior of each material were measured and analyzed. FDM—Fused deposition modeling is an efficient way to produce finished parts for the rapid replacement of worn or damaged components when the parts are made of plastic materials and the delivery time to the user is long. The compression test is performed to determine the type of fracture.