Drawer rail design with 3D printer technology and examination of its functionality with some strength tests

With the advancement of technology, Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods have become increasingly widespread, with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) being one of the most commonly preferred techniques in various industries. FDM technology enables the use of different filament materials in 3D printers, making it possible to manufacture components that can be used in furniture as connectors or accessories. The selection of the appropriate filament should consider the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the material, as each filament type and manufacturing parameter directly affects the mechanical performance of the produced part. In this study, drawer slide systems, which are commonly used in furniture, were investigated. New drawer slide sets were manufactured using PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) filaments with identical production parameters. Production costs were calculated, and the mechanical behaviors of the drawer slides were tested under laboratory conditions in accordance with the BS EN 16122 standard. Tests focused on strength, displacement, and rapid opening/closing, with deflection values recorded for each test. The primary aim of this study is to examine the mechanical behavior of newly designed 3D-printed drawer slide systems under a 10 kg load, and to compare their performance using PLA and PETG materials. Additionally, this study seeks to provide both economic and technical insights into material selection for the Turkish furniture industry. The parts were designed using SolidWorks software and manufactured with a 40% infill, triangular structure, and 0.2 mm layer height. Electricity consumption was also monitored during production. The test results revealed that PLA-based drawer slides performed better in terms of mechanical properties and durability compared to PETG-based slides under identical production conditions. While PETG samples struggled with deformation under dynamic loads, PLA samples exhibited higher stability and functionality. These findings suggest that PLA may be a more suitable option than PETG for applications requiring higher mechanical performance in household drawer systems.