Structure and Texture Synergies in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Polymers: A Comparative Evaluation of Tribological...

This study investigates the interplay between infill structure and surface texture in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-printed polymer specimens and their combined influence on tribological and mechanical performance. Unlike previous works that focus on single-variable analysis, this work offers a comparative evaluation of Shore D hardness and coefficient of friction (COF) for PLA and Iglidur materials, incorporating diverse infill patterns. The results reveal that specific combinations (e.g., grid infill with 90% density) optimize hardness and minimize friction, offering practical insights for design optimization in functional parts. Our aim is to provide design insights for enhanced wear resistance and hardness through tailored structural configurations. Carbon Fiber-reinforced PLA (PLA CF), aramid fiber-reinforced Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (Kevlar), and Iglidur I180-BL tribofilament. Disc specimens were fabricated with gyroid infill densities ranging from 10% to 100%. Experimental methodologies included Ball-on-Disc tests conducted under dry sliding conditions (5 N normal load, 150 mm/s sliding speed) to assess friction and wear characteristics. These tribological evaluations were complemented by profilometric and microscopic analyses and Shore D hardness testing. The results show that Iglidur I180-BL achieved the lowest friction coefficients (0.141-0.190) and negligible wear, while PLA specimens with 90% infill demonstrated a polishing-type wear with minimal material loss and a friction coefficient (COF) of ~0.108. In contrast, PLA CF and Kevlar exhibited higher wear depths (up to 154 µm for Kevlar) and abrasive mechanisms due to fiber detachment. Shore hardness values increased with infill density, with PLA reaching a maximum of 82.7 Shore D. These findings highlight the critical interplay between infill architecture and surface patterning and offer actionable guidelines for the functional design of durable FDM components in load-bearing or sliding applications.