Numerical modelling of new demountable fasteners for frame furniture

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of newly designed joints for frame furniture. The posts and rails of the joints were manufactured from glued HDF layer panels. The joints were manufactured from ABS using 3D printing technology. The stiffness and strength of the designed joints and assembly forces found in the joints were determined experimentally. The Finite Element Method was applied to calculate deflections, values of the factor of safety in joint elements and to map loads on the surfaces of the elements in contact. The results of experimental studies were compared with the data provided by numerical calculations. It was shown that the newly designed joints exhibit good mechanical properties. The most advantageous results were recorded for a double self-compression fastener. In the compression and tension test, this fastener showed the smallest differences in stiffness and strength.