Additive Manufacturing of PA6 with Short Carbon Fibre Reinforcement using Fused Deposition Modelling

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of the short carbon fibres in nylon PA6 polymer used for fused deposition modelling (additive manufacturing) technology. Specimens from pure PA6 and PA6 with short carbon fibres were fabricated, with both main directions of the material with respect to the build orientation in a 3D printer. Experimental tensile tests of the specimens were carried out at several temperatures according to ISO standards. The strength, tensile modulus and ductility in relation to the temperature were compared. A significant influence of the short carbon fibres on the strength and heat deflection temperature of the part was found in PA6 and also for the orientation of the build in the 3D printer