High density polyethylene (HPDE) is one of the most commonly used polymers in the world due to its excellent chemical resistance, low cost, and favorable mechanical properties. As fused deposition modeling (3D printing) emerges as an industrially significant manufacturing technology, parameters for effectively 3D printing HDPE and subsequent characterization of printed parts are of increasing relevance. The principal challenge of 3D printing HDPE is its high coefficient of thermal expansion. The present work discusses experimentally determined temperature settings, build plate material choices, and part and printer design considerations for successfully 3D printing HDPE. The effect of thermal annealing on the mechanical properties of printed parts is also evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile strength analysis, and flexural strength analysis.

3D printing and thermomechanical characterization of unfilled high-density polyethylene

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