Analysis of 3D Printing Filament Using Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)

Muhammad Iman Sufi Suliman; Muhammad Nur Iqmal Azmee; Abdul Hakim Abdullah; Ahmad Khushairy Makhtar; Nor Fazli  Adull Manan

Authors

Muhammad Iman Sufi Suliman School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450 Selangor, Malaysia.
Muhammad Nur Iqmal Azmee School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450 Selangor, Malaysia.
Abdul Hakim Abdullah School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450 Selangor, Malaysia.
Ahmad Khushairy Makhtar School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450 Selangor, Malaysia.
Nor Fazli Adull Manan School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam 40450 Selangor, Malaysia.

Keywords:

polyvinyl alcohol, polylactic acid, 3D printing, biodegradable

Abstract

The widespread adoption of 3D printing as a manufacturing method across various industries offers a diverse range of filaments tailored to specific printing requirements. However, the production of intricate designs presents challenges, particularly in the removal of support structures. This research explores the manual removal and aqueous dissolution times, evaluating resultant model quality. Categorizing eighteen samples into simple, medium, and complex groups, each comprising three units forms the basis for assessing Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) filament’s impact on support structures and overall model quality. Nine samples exclusively use Polylactic Acid (PLA) as a control group, while the remaining nine integrate PVA filament, ensuring a comprehensive examination of PVA's influence on different design complexities. For meticulous design, Autodesk TinkerCAD meticulously guides the design process with precision, utilizing two 3D printers: the Creality Ender 3, exclusively using PLA filament, and the Ultimaker 3 Extended, equipped with dual print cores and utilizing both PLA and PVA filaments. The inclusion of PVA as a support material proves pivotal in facilitating the printing of intricate designs due to its facile removal and environmentally friendly properties. The PVA is better at support compare to PLA with lesser damage. This study significantly contributes to optimizing 3D printing processes, addressing challenges related to intricate designs and support structure removal. The findings are relevant for industries relying on precise components through 3D printing, marking a stride towards enhanced manufacturing efficiency.

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