Session: AM3D1.1 - Current and Emerging Trends in AM

Paper Number: 159476

159476 - Additive Manufacturing and Mechanical Analysis of Woven Glass Fiber Reinforced PLA Structures Under Compressive Loading 

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most versatile techniques for additive manufacturing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs). To improve the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed polymer composites, continuous fibers are used as reinforcement. Continuous fibers provide strength to the composite but lack multi-directional load-bearing ability and offer strength only in a specific direction. Woven fibers provide better stability and homogenized in-plane mechanical properties, and hence they can be used as a stronger alternative to continuous fibers during 3D printing of FRPCs. The interlacing of woven fibers ensures an even distribution of stress and thus reduces the possibility of localized failure, enhancing the structural integrity of the printed composite specimens. This study proposes the 3D printing of woven fiber-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites in two different shapes: solid cylinder and hollow cylinder. The procedure involves embedding woven glass fiber sheets during the 3D printing of the objects using a controlled pause-and-layering technique. This technique allows for a precise placement of woven fiber sheets within the 3D-printed structures and ensures there is sufficient bonding in between the thermoplastic matrix layer and reinforcement fibers. The addition of a woven fiber sheet increases the surface area for bonding and enhances the strength-to-weight ratio of the composite specimen. In FDM, the printed objects are dependent on the printing parameters, and in view of this, the objects were printed varying infill geometry, printing speed, and nozzle temperature. Furthermore, to assess the mechanical properties of the printed composite objects, compression tests were performed to study their compressive failure strength at different printing parameters, and fracture mechanisms were analyzed theoretically. The compressive and fracture mechanisms of the composite shapes were compared with objects printed without any reinforcement. The preliminary results showed an increase in the mechanical properties of the composites 3D printed with woven fiber reinforcement. This study aims to highlight the usage of woven fiber sheets as a low-cost and mechanically enhanced technique for 3D printing of complex shapes and also describe a relationship between 3D printing parameters, fiber reinforcement, and different geometries. The study presents a framework for optimizing the design and manufacture of high-performance FRPCs that can be customized for several mechanical applications. In conclusion, this research highlights the potential of woven fibers to overcome the limits of continuous fibers, which would allow for the manufacturing of composite materials that are more durable, versatile, and cost-effective. Also, the fabrication of complex shapes using the woven fiber reinforcements paves the way for better applicability of the proposed process.

Presenting Author: Ankit Dhar Dubey National Institute of Technology Meghalaya

Presenting Author Biography: Ankit Dhar Dubey is a research scholar at the National Institute of Technology Meghalaya in the field of Mechanical Engineering. He completed his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and master’s degree in computer integrated manufacturing. He has published 3 manuscripts in peer-reviewed, SCI-indexed journals, one manuscript in a Scopus-indexed journal, and presented at 4 international conferences. His research interests include additive manufacturing of fiber-reinforced polymer composites and the mechanism of failure of composite materials.