Experimental Investigation on Effect of Print Orientation on Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyamide-6

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is revolutionizing the production of complex and customized components across various industries. Among the materials used in AM, carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide (CFRPA) stands out due to its exceptional mechanical properties and lightweight nature. However, the mechanical and tribological properties of 3D-printed parts can be significantly influenced by the print orientation. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of print orientation (horizontal, vertical, and 45 degrees) on the mechanical and tribological properties of CFRPA6 and to optimize wear parameters to enhance the performance of the material. The samples were fabricated using the fused filament fabrication process (FFF). Experimental testing was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, including tensile strength, hardness, physical properties (density and porosity), and tribological properties such as wear and friction. The study findings indicate that sliding speed has the most significant impact on wear and friction characterization, followed by load and track diameter. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study microstructural changes and surface morphology. The optimum results of wear characterization for horizontal, vertical, and 45- degree orientation were wear rates (2.23, 3.23, and 2.45). * 10-3 mm3/m and hardness results were (81.6, 57.86, and 72.73) HV respectively. The vertical orientation demonstrates the highest tensile strength (0.046 MPa), the 45-degree orientation (0.02 MPa), and the horizontal orientation (0.019 MPa). The porosity test showed that horizontal orientation had a relatively lower porosity percentage. The LS-DYNA simulation result showed that horizontal orientation had less stress and deformation. It was concluded that horizontally printed CFRPA6 has high hardness and low porosity, resulting in a low wear rate and COF, making it ideal for wear- resistant applications. Vertical prints, with better tensile strength, are suitable for applications requiring higher tensile strength.Additive Manufacturing (Am) Is Revolutionizing The Production Of Complex And Customized Components Across Various Industries. Among The Materials Used In Am, Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polyamide (Cfrpa) Stands Out Due To Its Exceptional Mechanical Properties And Lightweight Nature. However, The Mechanical And Tribological Properties Of 3d-Printed Parts Can Be Significantly Influenced By The Print Orientation. The Purpose Of This Research Was To Investigate The Effect Of Print Orientation (Horizontal, Vertical, And 45 Degrees) On The Mechanical And Tribological Properties Of Cfrpa6 And To Optimize Wear Parameters To Enhance The Performance Of The Material. The Samples Were Fabricated Using The Fused Filament Fabrication Process (Fff). Experimental Testing Was Conducted To Evaluate The Mechanical Properties, Including Tensile Strength, Hardness, Physical Properties (Density And Porosity), And Tribological Properties Such As Wear And Friction. The Study Findings Indicate That Sliding Speed Has The Most Significant Impact On Wear And Friction Characterization, Followed By Load And Track Diameter .Scanning Electron Microscopy Was Used To Study Microstructural Changes And Surface Morphology. The Optimum Results Of Wear Characterization For Horizontal, Vertical, And 45-Degree Orientation Were Wear Rates (2.23, 3.23, And 2.45). * 10-3 Mm3/M And Hardness Results Were (81.6, 57.86, And 72.73) Hv Respectively. The Vertical Orientation Demonstrates The Highest Tensile Strength (0.046 Mpa), The 45-Degree Orientation (0.02 Mpa), And The Horizontal Orientation (0.019 Mpa). The Porosity Test Showed That Horizontal Orientation Had A Relatively Lower Porosity Percentage. The Ls-Dyna Simulation Result Showed That Horizontal Orientation Had Less Stress And Deformation. It Was Concluded That Horizontally Printed Cfrpa6 Has High Hardness And Low Porosity, Resulting In A Low Wear Rate And Cof, Making It Ideal For Wear-Resistant Applications. Vertical Prints, With Better Tensile Strength, Are Suitable For Applications Requiring Higher Tensile Strength.