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@article{194467,
        author = {Vala Umangkumar Batukbhai and Ashokkumar Devsibhai Bagda},
        title = {Optimization of Heat Treatment Process Parameters for FDM 3D Printed PLA to Improve Mechanical Performance},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {3980-3989},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=194467},
        abstract = {Additive manufacturing has become an important manufacturing approach for producing complex components with reduced material waste and shorter production time. Among various additive manufacturing techniques, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is widely used due to its simplicity, low operational cost, and compatibility with thermoplastic materials such as Polylactic Acid (PLA). However, the mechanical performance of FDM printed parts is often limited by weak interlayer bonding, internal voids, and anisotropic material behavior. To address these limitations, post-processing techniques such as heat treatment are commonly employed to enhance the structural integrity of printed components.
The present study investigates the influence of heat treatment parameters on the mechanical performance of PLA components fabricated using FDM technology. Standard test specimens were produced using controlled printing parameters and subsequently subjected to thermal treatment under different temperature conditions. Mechanical characterization was carried out through tensile, compressive, and impact tests based on established ASTM standards. The experimental analysis focuses on identifying the optimal heat treatment conditions that improve the strength and durability of the printed components while maintaining dimensional stability.
The results indicate that appropriate heat treatment promotes molecular rearrangement and increased crystallinity within the PLA structure, which significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the printed parts. Improved tensile strength, compressive resistance, and impact toughness were observed for the heat-treated specimens compared with untreated samples. The study demonstrates that optimization of heat treatment parameters can effectively improve the mechanical performance of FDM printed PLA components, making them more suitable for functional engineering applications.},
        keywords = {Additive Manufacturing, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Polylactic Acid (PLA), Heat Treatment, Annealing, Mechanical Properties, Process Optimization, 3D Printing.},
        month = {March},
        }