Pin-bearing mechanical behaviour of composites fabricated via fused filament fabrication as a function of reinforcing, pin diameter and W/D ratio

Additive manufacturing is an advanced technology able to produce parts with different grades of complexity, including its shape, microstructure, functionality and material. Regarding material complexity nowadays, it is possible to produce polymer parts with customized reinforced fibre filling such as carbon, Kevlar or glass. However, their mechanical behaviour is still under investigation and no data are available on the bearing strength for additively manufactured composites. The aim of this work is to provide a contribution on this topic to ensure safe joint design with the current and innovative technologies. In this article the authors present the experimental characterization of polymer filled with Kevlar to pin bearing test. Samples have been designed as a function of filling and geometry parameters. Results have been analysed with statistical methods. Finding highlight similar and different behaviour regarding samples produced with conventional process. The most interesting result is that the authors demonstrate how the pin diameter is significant for the results, particularly for the stiffness keeping constant the bearing strength.