Publication: Effect of fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing parameters on warpage and tensile properties of polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends
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Date
2025-08-08
Authors
Nor Lailatul Athirah binti Mansor
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Abstract
Fused Deposition Manufacturing (FDM) is a 3D printing method widely used for creating thermoplastic parts due to its cost-efficiency and versatility. However, the types of polymers available as filaments for FDM remains limited. This study aims to determine the best composition of polylactic Acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend that can be used to produce a filament for 3D printing. Five different compositions of PLA and TPU blending were mixed using an internal mixer, followed by tensile testing, thermal analysis and morphology analysis. The 50PLA/50TPU blends ratio was chosen to be extruded into filament based on its mechanical properties and thermal characteristics. Then, the selected composition was extruded into filament and the effects of FDM printing parameters which are nozzle temperature and bed temperature on the warpage of the part produced from PLA/TPU blends was investigated to determine the best printing conditions that minimize warpage. Result showed that the nozzle temperature of 210oC and bed temperature of 80oC obtain the minimum warpage. The selected parameters were used to produce tensile testing parts and comparison on the tensile properties of 3D printed and compression moulded samples showed that tensile properties of 3D printing samples have the highest tensile compared to compression moulding samples.