Investigation of Tribological Behavior of Fused Deposition Modelling Processed Parts of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol Polymer Material

In the current study an attempt is made to study the tribological characteristics of 3D printed Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) parts when subjected to wet sliding. Initially the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol filament is carried out. The tribological characteristics like Coefficient of Friction, specific wear rate, time dependent variation of Friction force and wear are studied by conducting a wear test of the specimens. The results prove the well known theory that the addition of lubricant in between the sliding surfaces reduces the COF and wear rate. The outcomes of the pin-on-disc tests reveal that, the wear is increasing rapidly after a small period of constant wear as the test progresses. The repeated sliding motion generates frictional forces between the surfaces. Even with a relatively low COF, constant contact and movement leads to material removal. This is also observed in the frictional force versus time graph where an increase in frictional force as test progresses is observed. A COF of around 0.5 is obtained for dry siding case. In wet sliding condition, a COF of 0.2 is obtained. Hence the lubricant was effective in reducing the effect of frictional forces. A wear rate of 5 × 10⁻⁴ mm³/Nm was attained for dry sliding case. In the present work a wear rate of 1 × 10⁻⁴ mm³/Nm was attained in wet sliding case. From the test results of the surface Profilometer, it is found that there is a reduction in Ra, Rq and Rz values in the after sliding test condition as compared to the before test condition. As part of the practical application, there is the possibility of enhancing parts used in the aviation and automobile sectors.