Investigation of elasticity in the mechanical properties of 3D printed PLA bolt sample

ABSTRACT

With the aid of 3D printing, this study attempts to calculate the effective elastic modulus as well as the dimensional correctness and porosity of bolt samples. The main contribution of this study is the identification of the bolt sample porosity that is most appropriate for use as cancellous bone implants. It was discovered by contrasting the printed bolt sample’s size, porosity, and effective modulus of elasticity with cancellous bone, as well as with the CAD model. This study examines the characteristics of bolt PLA samples created using SolidWorks software and manufactured in three dimensions using FDM. Observing the uniaxial tensile and determining its elasticity using stress-strain curves were the goals. Three of the five bolt samples used in the tests yielded essentially accurate results. Our research will aid in comprehending numerous facets of creating, testing, and optimising 3-D printed PLA bolts for use in real-world applications. The effective modulus of elasticity is generated by computer simulation using the MSC Marc software. Bolts with porosity variations of 42.9 percent and 58.1 percent revealed that the results of the printed bolt were flawless, but those with porosity variations of 22.3 percent and 73.4 percent generated incorrect impressions because they had too few pores or features. However, bolts with porosities of 58.1 and 73.4 percent exhibited a suitable elastic modulus that matched the span of cancellous bone. The bolt with a porosity of 58.1 percent was found to be the most suitable for usage as a cancellous bone implant with precise fabrication results.

KEYWORDS:

• FEA
• additive manufacturing
• fibre reinforcement
• 3D printing
• Kevlar
• glass fibre
• nylon

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge Qassim University, represented by the Deanship of “Scientific Research, on the financial support for this research under the number (ENUC-2022-1-1-J-27245) during the academic year 1444 AH/2022 AD.”

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).