The interest in implementing extrusion-based additive manufacturing methods, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), in the manufacturing process of medical devices such as implants is growing rapidly. Nonetheless, the amount of 3D-printable as well as medical-approved materials is limited. One example represents poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which has already been used as bone reconstruction material. Before implantation, the mechanical characterisation of the material in dependence of the printing parameters as well as specific loading conditions is of utmost importance.
In this paper, PMMA tensile test specimens were printed by FFF. Thereby, the nozzle temperature and the layer thicknesses were varied and deviations in the tensile test results were analysed. Samples printed with a nozzle temperature of 230°C and a layer thickness of 0.25 mm provide the best tensile properties, if high values for the Young’s modulus and the tensile strength are desired.