Page 20 - eBook_Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Manufacturing V1

Proceedings of the International Conference on Digital Manufacturing –
Volume 1

variation, this research aims to provide insights into how
geometric design can influence the degradation kinetics and
biochemical microenvironment, ultimately informing future
strategies for bone scaffold development.

Moreover, understanding the degradation behaviour of FDM-
printed PLA structures not only informs scaffold design for bone
regeneration, but also provides a foundational framework for
broader applications involving other bioresorbable polymers, such
as polycaprolactone (PCL). Despite showing distinct mechanical
and degradation profiles, PCL shares similar fabrication pathways
and insights gained from PLA studies can guide the optimisation
of future scaffold designs that integrate degradation control with
cellular performance enhancements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sample Preparation

PLA filaments, with 1.75 mm diameter were used for 3D printing
the bone scaffold samples in this study. The models were designed
using computer-aided design (CAD) software in three different
geometries—Cube (ASTM D695), Dogbone (ASTM D638) and
Rectangular Bar (ASTM D790) [10]—to examine the degradation
behaviour of PLA with different sample geometries. These
geometries were selected based on standardised testing methods
to enable subsequent evaluation of different mechanical properties
relevant to bone scaffold applications: compressive strength
(Cube), tensile strength (Dogbone) and flexural strength (Bar).
This design strategy allows for a comprehensive understanding on
how PLA performs mechanically over time as it degrades in a
simulated physiological environment.

The slicing process was conducted using slicing software,
where key printing parameters were carefully optimised to ensure
dimensional accuracy and structural consistency. The printing
parameters included a 100% infill density with a rectilinear infill
pattern, a layer thickness of 0.2 mm, a printing speed of 90 mm/s,

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