Evaluation of the effects of corona discharge plasma exposure proximity to Fused Deposition Modelling 3D Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Plasma derived cross-linking of polymer surfaces is an established technique within industry. This study investigated how the utilization and proximity of an atmospheric plasma generating device affects the ultimate tensile strength and surface quality of 3D printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. The study made use of a linear stage device to accurately modify the distance between parts and devices. We aimed to evaluate the potential of atmospheric plasma treatment to improve the mechanical performance of 3D printing systems. 3D printed samples were generated by a Tier Time UPBox Fused deposition modelling printer. Thirty ASTM D638 Type IV dog-bone samples were generated. They were grouped into 6 categories corresponding to varied heights from the generated plasma, namely 36 mm (Sample 1), 30 mm (Sample 2), 24 mm (Sample 3), 18 mm (Sample 4), 12 mm (Sample 5) as well as an unprocessed Benchmark Sample. Optimal ultimate tensile strength occurred at 24 mm being 19.01 MPa whilst the surface quality of the samples experienced little change.