This article explores the impact of As-built versus annealed Fused Deposition
Modeling (FDM) on the mechanical properties of test samples fabricated from two
distinct materials: Polyamide 6 (PA6) and PA6 with carbon fiber filament.
Employing the FDM technique, these samples were meticulously produced, with
significant process parameters maintained at optimal values. Two sets of printed
specimens were prepared for examination, one composed of PA6 and the other of
PA6 with carbon fiber (CF) reinforcement. The first set was subjected to
mechanical testing in its As-built condition, while the second set underwent an
annealing process utilizing a muffle furnace. The annealing reduces internal
stresses, enhances interlayer adhesion, and promotes crystallinity. For both the
sent samples exposed to comprehensive assessments to evaluate various mechanical
performance attributes, including hardness, impact strength, tensile strength
and flexural strength. The results of this study elucidate that PA6 with carbon
fiber exhibited superior mechanical properties than PA6. In further, this study
offers valuable insights into the influence of FDM post-processing techniques,
such as annealing, on the mechanical behavior of printed components. In FDM
Annealed PA6 with carbon fiber emerged as the combination with the most superior
mechanical properties across hardness, impact strength, and tensile strength.
This study underscores the significance of carbon fiber reinforcement and
annealing in enhancing the mechanical performance of PA6 components, providing
valuable insights for applications demanding robust mechanical properties.