Investigation of 3D printed CF-PETG composites' tensile behaviors: Synergizing simulative and real-world explorations

This paper presents an experimental and numerical analysis of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer (CF-PETG) made using fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology on dumbbell-shaped specimens under static tensile tests for both honeycomb (NIDA) and rectilinear (RECT) fill patterns at different infill densities (20%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The tensile test is meticulously executed using the state-of-the-art INSTRON 5969 testing apparatus, with a precise displacement speed set at 2 mm per minute, ensuring the utmost accuracy in our measurements. The experimental results show that the mechanical behavior of each specimen is elastoplastic. The honeycomb pattern showed better strength and stiffness when compared to the rectilinear pattern. The Digimat material model allows for the simulation of complex material behavior, including nonlinear and anisotropic behavior, considering microstructure effects. The numerical model developed using Abaqus/Digimat coupling with experimental results shows a good correlation between the obtained results.