A comparison between mechanical properties of specimens 3D printed with virgin and recycled PLA

Lanzotti, Antonio; Martorelli, M.; Maietta, S.; Gerbino, S.; Penta, F.; Gloria, A.

doi:10.1016/j.procir.2019.02.030

In this study the mechanical properties of parts 3D printed with virgin polylactic acid (PLA) to those printed with recycled PLA were compared. Using an entry level 3D printer and commercially available PLA, tensile specimens were produced and then tested. The specimens were then ground up and re-extruded into filament, and a second set of specimens were produced and tested using this recycled PLA filament. Mechanical testing showed that 3D printing with recycled PLA is a viable option. However, although the average mechanical properties before and after recycling were similar, there was more variability in the results of the recycled filament. Additionally, when printing with the recycled filament there was some nozzle clogging, while none occurred with the virgin filament. Overall, the mechanical properties of specimens 3D printed from recycled PLA filament were similar to virgin properties, encouraging further development in the area of recycling 3D printed filament.

A comparison between mechanical properties of specimens 3D printed with virgin and recycled PLA / Lanzotti, Antonio; Martorelli, M.; Maietta, S.; Gerbino, S.; Penta, F.; Gloria, A.. - (2019). (Intervento presentato al convegno CIRP ICME ’18 - 12th CIRP Conference on INTELLIGENT COMPUTATION IN MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING, Innovative and Cognitive Production Technology and Systems tenutosi a ISCHIA - Naples - ITALY nel 18- 20 July 2018) [10.1016/j.procir.2019.02.030].