Joining materials produced with three-dimensional printers using friction mix welding

Inthisstudy, the effect of partin fillratio (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) on the welding strength of 3D printed PLA Plus parts was evaluated through friction stir welding (FSW).Tensile tests and temperature measurements were carried out to examine the effects of friction stir welding process parameters (feedspeed: 50 and 100 mm/min and rotation speed: 1000 and 1500 rpm) on the structure and mechanical properties of friction stir welding. Moreover, visualin spections were performed todetect defects in the weldarea. Comparedtothe PLA Plus samples given as reference according to the infillratios, the highest welding strengths were obtained at 80%, 60% and 100% infillratios (29.4 MPa, 17.47 MPa and 41.12 MPa and 112.38%, 97.48%, 87.04% efficiency, respectively).As a result, it was determined that at lowinfillratios (20% and 40%), the weld quality was negatively affected, and a surface tunnel defect occurred in the weldarea. It has been determined that the weldquality in FSW is significantly affected by the temperature occurring during the process. The study has shown that partsprinted at different infill ratios, especiallyon a 3D printer, can be combined with friction stir welding and that the efficiency of the welding process can be increased by optimizing the infillratios.