Analysis of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Components Produced by Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing, specifically fused deposition modelling (FDM), has revolutionized the production of complex components by enabling precise control over design parameters such as infill density. This paper investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of components fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA), a widely used biodegradable thermoplastic, with infill densities varied at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The study aims to elucidate how infill density influences the performance of PLA components, providing insights for optimizing their use in engineering applications. Mechanical properties were assessed through compression tests conducted on cylindrical samples, measuring compressive strength, elastic modulus, and deformation behaviour. The tests revealed that higher infill densities significantly enhance mechanical performance, with 100% infill components exhibiting the highest compressive strength and stiffness, while 25% infill samples showed greater ductility but reduced load-bearing capacity. Components with higher infill density demonstrated improved thermal conductivity due to increased material continuity, facilitating better heat transfer. However, lower infill density samples exhibited reduced thermal stability, with noticeable deformation under prolonged exposure to heat. These results underscore the importance of infill density in applications requiring thermal management, such as heat sinks or enclosures. The study integrates mechanical and thermal data to provide a comprehensive understanding of PLA component behaviour under varying infill conditions. The findings contribute to advancing additive manufacturing practices, enabling the production of PLA-based components tailored to specific functional requirements in fields such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods, while promoting sustainable material use.