Tensile Properties of 3D Printed Recycled PLA Filament: A Detailed Study on Filament Fabrication Parameters

Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastic commonly utilized in 3D Printing filaments, undergoes changes in properties upon recycling. The objective was to elucidate the role of extrusion temperature and screw speed in modulating the quality of recycled PLA filament, as well as in controlling its dimensional attributes. Recycled PLA pellets (3D850D) were extruded using a single filament extruder machine within an extrusion temperature range of 145°C to 165°C and a screw speed varying from 2 rpm to 6 rpm. The extruded filaments were subsequently 3D printed into specimens adopting a 0° raster angle, line infill pattern, and a 100 percent infill density, then tested as per ASTM D638 mechanical standards. The study revealed a profound influence of extrusion parameters on the filament's ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and diameter. Optimal extrusion conditions - 155°C and 5 rpm - resulted in maximum mechanical strengths, while the parameters yielding filament diameters closest to commercial standards were identified as 5 rpm and 155°C. These results under-score the possibility of optimizing the recycled PLA filament's properties through adept control of extrusion parameters. Consequently, this investigation supports the potential use of recycled PLA filament in the 3D printing industry as a sustainable and performance-efficient material, offering a tangible step towards environmentally friendly additive manufacturing practices.