Fundamental study of commercial polylactic acid and coconut fiber/polylactic acid filaments for 3D printing

Abstract This study aims to provide an alternative fully green biodegradable 3D printing filament other than polylactic acid (PLA) with better properties and lower prices using a fully environmentally friendly process. Two filaments [polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic acid/coconut fiber (PLA-CF)] to be purchased and used to prepare a similar samples under the same conditions which to undergo the same testing to obtain and compare their properties as well as for further comparison with other filaments. The samples are to be designed using SOLIDWORKS software according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)standards. The prepared designs are then to be converted to gcode using CURA software. FDM Creality 3D printer (Model: CR10S-PRO) to be used printing a set of specimens for each required test. The prepared samples then undergo several mechanical tests to specify their exact properties. PLA 3D filament roll had been purchased from Fabbxible Technology; Crystallized nature based NatureWorks made from corn starch. While Magma PLA-CF roll had been purchased from 3D Gadgets Malaysia. Both rolls had an average diameter of 1.75 mm and average length of 300 m.