Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads

Abstract Fused filament fabrication (FFF), or fused deposition modeling (FDM), is one of the most widely accessible additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Recent advancements in this technology have expanded its material portfolio to include conductive composites with electromechanical properties, e...

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Main Authors: Ferdinando Ursi, Giorgio De Pasquale
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11234-0
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author Ferdinando Ursi
Giorgio De Pasquale
author_facet Ferdinando Ursi
Giorgio De Pasquale
author_sort Ferdinando Ursi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Fused filament fabrication (FFF), or fused deposition modeling (FDM), is one of the most widely accessible additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Recent advancements in this technology have expanded its material portfolio to include conductive composites with electromechanical properties, enabling new applications. The thermal melting of the filament, required for material extrusion, introduces variability in the final component properties, which are difficult to predict due to the influence of several process-related parameters. In particular, for applications where mechanical and electrical properties are critical, it is essential to optimize the process to control both the mechanical performance and electrical conductivity of the material in static and dynamic conditions. Post-process thermal treatments can significantly alter these electromechanical transduction properties. In this study, we investigate the static, dynamic, and thermal behavior of two composite filaments. The microstructure of the feedstock materials was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish a correlation between material composition and component behavior. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of specific fillers, such as black carbon, enhances electrical resistance and improves electromechanical stability under static and dynamic conditions. In contrast, graphene additives increase electromechanical sensitivity but result in a degradation of electrical properties during thermal treatment.
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spelling doaj-art-d06fd0ff35db479e95e48b28c258586f2025-08-20T04:02:56ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111710.1038/s41598-025-11234-0Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loadsFerdinando Ursi0Giorgio De Pasquale1Smart Structures and Systems Lab, Politecnico Di TorinoSmart Structures and Systems Lab, Politecnico Di TorinoAbstract Fused filament fabrication (FFF), or fused deposition modeling (FDM), is one of the most widely accessible additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Recent advancements in this technology have expanded its material portfolio to include conductive composites with electromechanical properties, enabling new applications. The thermal melting of the filament, required for material extrusion, introduces variability in the final component properties, which are difficult to predict due to the influence of several process-related parameters. In particular, for applications where mechanical and electrical properties are critical, it is essential to optimize the process to control both the mechanical performance and electrical conductivity of the material in static and dynamic conditions. Post-process thermal treatments can significantly alter these electromechanical transduction properties. In this study, we investigate the static, dynamic, and thermal behavior of two composite filaments. The microstructure of the feedstock materials was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish a correlation between material composition and component behavior. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of specific fillers, such as black carbon, enhances electrical resistance and improves electromechanical stability under static and dynamic conditions. In contrast, graphene additives increase electromechanical sensitivity but result in a degradation of electrical properties during thermal treatment.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11234-0Conductive filamentFDMFFFAdditive manufacturingSensorsIoT
spellingShingle Ferdinando Ursi
Giorgio De Pasquale
Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads
Scientific Reports
Conductive filament
FDM
FFF
Additive manufacturing
Sensors
IoT
title Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads
title_full Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads
title_fullStr Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads
title_full_unstemmed Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads
title_short Comparative characterization of FDM structures with electrically-conductive sensing elements under static, dynamic and thermal loads
title_sort comparative characterization of fdm structures with electrically conductive sensing elements under static dynamic and thermal loads
topic Conductive filament
FDM
FFF
Additive manufacturing
Sensors
IoT
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-11234-0
work_keys_str_mv AT ferdinandoursi comparativecharacterizationoffdmstructureswithelectricallyconductivesensingelementsunderstaticdynamicandthermalloads
AT giorgiodepasquale comparativecharacterizationoffdmstructureswithelectricallyconductivesensingelementsunderstaticdynamicandthermalloads