Feasibility studies of post-processing techniques to strengthen 3D printed UAV wing structures

Abstract

To strengthen 3D printed unmanned aerial vehicle parts, this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of two post-processing techniques, namely heat treatment and protective coating, with polylactic acid being the base material of comparison. For a higher degree of crystallinity, the heat treatment is done at various temperature and duration above the glasstransition point. Simultaneously, the protective coating strength of finishing and bonding type epoxies are compared. The results indicate that heat treatment increases the elastic modulus but also decreases the flexural strength. The scanning electron microscope images observed at the filament level show the presence of cavities between and within layers after the heat treatment. Protective coating increases the flexural strength and elastic modulus of the printed samples where the bonding type epoxy performed better than the finishing type.