Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) Material Manufactured by 3D Printing

This project addresses the need for reliable technical data on additive manufacturing using biodegradable filaments like PLA, which is crucial for promoting 3D printing adoption in the Ecuadorian industrial sector. The main objective is to characterize the mechanical properties of 3D-printed PLA, evaluating its strength under various load combinations and manufacturing tolerances. The methodology combines Applied and Experimental Research, utilizing laboratory machinery to define optimal printing strategies and parameters according to technical standards. Rigorous procedures will be employed for specimen fabrication and testing, complemented by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for validation using simulation tools. Statistical analysis will focus on Design of Experiments (DoE) using the Taguchi method and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to identify behavioral patterns and variables influencing mechanical resistance. The results will generate algorithms that will be validated through subsequent tests, providing a new competitive perspective for 3D manufacturing in terms of properties, time, and cost.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine the mechanical properties of Polylactic Acid (PLA) material manufactured using 3D printing technology, establishing optimal manufacturing parameters for its application in Ecuadorian industry.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Modeling and simulation applied to industry