Experimental investigation and optimization of process parameters on tensile strength of carbon coated PLA material

Abstract This study explores the effect of key process parameters on the tensile strength of carbon-coated PLA (Polylactic Acid) material using additive manufacturing. The problem addressed is the need to enhance the mechanical properties of PLA, a widely used biodegradable polymer, by optimizing process parameters to improve its tensile strength when coated with carbon. The parameters investigated include infill pattern, printing speed, layer thickness, and orientation. A response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to design the experiments, while Minitab 15 software was used to analyze the data through analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that the optimal process parameters, linear infill pattern, printing speed of 20 mm s −1 , layer thickness of 150 μm, and Y-90 orientation, yield an average tensile strength of 56.4 MPa. A regression model was developed to predict tensile strength, with a high degree of accuracy (R 2 = 0.97). Confirmation tests verified the model’s predictions, contributing to the development of high-performance PLA-based materials for demanding applications.