Optimizing 3D Printing Process Parameters for the Tensile Strength of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Plastic

Three-dimensional printing (3D printing) is one of the most common methods applied in rapid prototyping for manufacturing, medical, and education applications. In addition to the shape design and materials, the mechanical quality of 3D printing products also depends on printing parameters such as temperature, infill angle, infill density, and layer thickness. In this study, the mechanical characteristics of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) polymer are tested by examining these parameters. The Taguchi method is employed to design, analyze, and optimize the mechanical properties. To achieve maximum tensile strength, the parameters that should be applied are 210 °C, 45° infill angle, 100% infill density, and 0.1 mm thickness. Moreover, optimal parameters for maximum elastic modulus are 240 °C, infill angle 90°, 100% infill density, and 0.18 mm thickness. Finally, printing should be performed at 210 °C, with an infill angle of 45°, 15% infill density, and 0.1 mm thickness to achieve the highest elongation at break value. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the sample reveal the stacking structure and the different breaking mechanisms between infill angles of 45 and 90°.