The use of additive technologies in industrial production provides companies with a competitive advantage. However, implementing 3D printing poses challenges, from selecting the right technology and material to operator qualifications and mechanical properties of the prints. This study investigates the influence of fibre orientation and print quality on mechanical properties. Samples were 3D printed from PLA using a Bambu Lab A1 mini FDM printer and slicer. Tensile tests showed FDM can achieve consistent results, and changing fibre orientation can increase tensile strength by nearly 50% and strain at strength by up to 3%. Some orientations however, while increasing strength, result in reduced print quality. These findings could guide industrial FDM printing and broader material and parameter testing.
Science Journal 