Tribological studies of 3D printed ABS and PLA plastic parts

In recent times, engineering plastics are gaining much importance for their different need based applications. With the advent and development of additive manufacturing techniques, manufacturing of plastic parts is gradually becoming more popular. In the present paper, samples for experimental research work have been produced by using ABS and PLA thermoplastics in a 3D printer (Stratasys F170). Material deposition layer thickness, infill angle, infill pattern and orientation of deposition have been selected as the major printing parameters. The printed parts are then tested for their friction and wear behavior in a multi tribo tester (TR-25) against EN 8 steel roller at low loads under fixed rotational speed of the roller and fixed rolling time in dry condition. Block-on-roller configuration of the multi tribo tester has been selected for the tribological studies. The results have been tabulated and graphed with adequate discussion to analyze the effects of the printing parameters on tribological and friction behavior of 3D printed ABS and PLA samples. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Advancements and Futuristic Trends in Mechanical and Materials Engineering.