Failure characterization of PLA parts fabricated by fused deposition modeling using acoustic emission

Purpose This paper aims to focus on investigating the failure mode of fused deposition modeling (FDM) fabricated parts by using acoustic emission (AE) technique. Design/methodology/approach Considering the special prototyping way of FDM, the failure modes of FDM-fabricated parts were investigated experimentally. One test was carried out and the other two describe what has been observed on this basis. Acoustic emissions are obtained during the tensile process. AE features of peak frequency, energy and amplitude are extracted and preliminarily analyzed. Then, the unsupervised clustering method of k-means is applied to explore the relationship between the failure modes and the AE signals. Findings Failure modes of filament debonding and breakage can be successfully recognized by the pattern recognition technique of k-means. Practical implications The results obtained can help us understand the failure process of FDM printed parts. This will provide an available monitoring method in the application of FDM-fabricated parts. Originality/value This paper has investigated and characterized the failure modes of FDM fabricated parts for the first time.