FEM analysis of plastic from the 3D printer
3D- printed parts and models are becoming more and more common, even in the private sector. Until a few years ago, 3D printers were mainly used in industry or in the scientific field, as the devices often cost 10.000 € or more. Furthermore, the printed models were previously of low stability and often only suitable for demonstration purposes.
In the meantime, not only plastics for 3D printing with remarkable structural-mechanical strength properties are available, but also 3D printers at prices starting from 1000 €. The strength of the components depends mainly on the printing direction, but also on the component orientation in the workspace of the 3D printer.
Investigated load cases
For the study, the following load cases, which were assumed to be commonplace, were examined in more detail by means of FE analyses:
- Total load concentrated on the centre of the seat
- Comfortable sitting with one leg on lower crossbrace
- Total body weight on the lower crossbars
- Inclined load, tilting on the chair