Investigation of Mechanical Characteristics of 3D Printed Composite Materials (Thermoplastic Urethane and Nylon (PA6))

Abstract

3D printing has emerged as a game-changer, progressively replacing conventional metals and thermosetting polymers, primarily due to its capacity to create lightweight structures with impressive mechanical attributes. The technology's advantages, such as minimized material wastage, design adaptability, and the ability to craft intricate structures, have propelled its widespread adoption. Within the realm of additive manufacturing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) stands out as a technique capable of producing intricate functional components. In the context of this study, we focused on the production of 3D printed samples composed of nylon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic urethane, varying the proportions of nylon (5% and 10%) within the thermoplastic urethane matrix. The process harnessed the capabilities of 3D printing, with the FDM printer employing heated filaments to meticulously deposit material layer by layer, yielding the desired outcomes. To assess the mechanical properties of these 3D printed specimens, we conducted a battery of tests, including tensile, impact, and flexural analyses. The results unequivocally illustrate the distinctive mechanical characteristics exhibited by specimens fabricated with different nylon proportions (5% and 10%) within the thermoplastic urethane matrix. Overall, our findings underscore the enhanced flexural and impact strength observed in these composite materials with the inclusion of nylon in thermoplastic urethane.