The Durability of 3D-Printed Furniture Connectors Made from Different Materials

The use of 3D-printed parts is becoming increasingly widespread, including in the furniture industry. Furniture products are subjected to various loads during use. Therefore, it is important to know their maximum allowable static loads and their maximum allowable cyclic loads, which are lower and depend on design and material properties. In this study, simple 3D FFF printed connectors intended as shelf connectors and made of three different materials (ABS, PLA, Wood–PLA) were subjected to different forces under static and cyclic loading until failure. Connectors made of ABS withstand the highest static load (346 N), followed by connectors made of PLA (195 N) and Wood–PLA (136 N). The fatigue behaviour of the tested connectors also depended on the material used. Connectors made of ABS exhibit the highest static load, but the stresses must be significantly lower under cyclic loading. For example, connectors made of ABS can withstand 50,000 cycles with a load of less than 25% of their maximum static load, while connectors made of PLA can withstand the same number of cycles with a load of 44% of their maximum static load. Connectors made of Wood–PLA achieved 50,000 cycles at a load of 63% of their maximum load. PLA and Wood–PLA were more durable relative to their maximum strength, even though ABS could carry heavier absolute loads. These findings could support the design of material-efficient furniture connectors with respect to their expected maximum loads and required durability; however, the results should be interpreted as preliminary and indicative of comparative trends rather than statistically validated fatigue data.