Effect of drying treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of material extrusion-based 3D-printed PETG models

Two rolls of PETG filament (1# and 2# filament) from the same manufacturer were placed in a constant temperature and humidity test chamber for moisture absorption pre-treatment for 12 h. The 2# filament was dried in a special dryer for 8 h. The physical and mechanical properties of the printed samples of 1# filament (without drying treatment) and 2# filament (with drying treatment) were compared. The Ra and Rz values of the samples printed on 2# filament were lower than those of the samples printed on 1# filament, and the samples printed on 2# filament were less rough. The light transmission of the samples printed on 2# filament was higher than that of the samples printed on 1# filament, and the light transmission properties of the samples printed on 2# filament were better. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of the samples printed on 2# filament were higher than those of the samples printed on 1# filament, and the mechanical properties of the samples printed on 2# filament were better. Therefore, the drying treatment improved the physical and mechanical properties of ME-3DP models, and this method has high application value.