Effect of processing parameters and graphite content on the tribological behaviour of 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

3D printing is nowadays used not only to rapidly produce prototypes, but is further applied for the fabrication of functional parts. Amongst other factors, processing parameters such as scaffolding angle and raster gap greatly affect the behaviour of such printed parts. Little attention has been given so far to the tribological behaviour of such prints. In this study the above mentioned parameters on the friction behaviour, in terms of friction coefficient and wear rate, is investigated. For this purpose the Fused Deposition Modelling is used as one of state of the art 3D printing methods. Graphite flakes were further added to the reference acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix in an attempt to enhance the properties. Results show that the scaffolding angle only affects the behaviour, if a positive printing gap is applied – when a negative gap is used, the angle has no significant effect on properties. Maximum coefficient of friction at acceptable values of specific wear rates can be attained at a scaffolding angle of 90° with negative gap. The incorporation of graphite further increases the friction coefficient on the expense of reduced wear properties.