Motivated by findings in a previous science project about the strength of different 3D printer filaments, this study explores the effect of colorant on the strength of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable filament made from sugar cane, corn or yuca root. In the earlier research, it was found that objects printed with PLA and with the honeycomb fill pattern demonstrated greater durability in stress tests. In the process of researching, it was noticed that objects printed with yellow PLA filament broke more easily than those printed with natural color filament, which gave the impression that printed objects of different colors may react differently in strength tests. For that reason, the earlier study tested white printed objects only. What would happen if objects of different colors were put through strength tests?
Make It or Break It: Now in Color!
