Effect of Nozzle Diameter on Tensile and Fracture Behavior of FDM-PLA Samples

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique is a subcategory of additive manufacturing processes that works by extruding a fine polymeric filament on the heated bed. The current research paper surveys the influence of nozzle diameter as a manufacturing parameter on the mechanical properties and mode I fracture behavior of the FDM-PLA samples. Four different nozzle diameters of 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 mm with two raster configurations of 0/90° and 45/-45° were considered for printing the dog-bone and Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) samples. Also, to evaluate the fracture resistance of FDM-PLA pre-cracked samples, the critical value of J-integral (Jc) was used and calculated through a finite element analysis. The obtained results indicated that the raster angle of 45/-45° resulted in higher mechanical properties compared to 0/90° one, also, the 1 mm nozzle diameter presented a better performance from a mechanical property point of view. The SCB sample printed through the 1 mm nozzle diameter and 45/-45° raster orientation had the highest value of Jc (10400 J/m²). Besides, the crack extension paths were monitored and discussed comprehensively.