Abstract: This study investigates the mechanical properties of a polymer-based layered manufacturing (PLM) material fabricated using 3D printing technology. The research aims to evaluate the tensile, compressive, and flexural strength of the printed material under varying process parameters such as infill density, layer orientation, and printing speed. Standardized test specimens were printed using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique and analyzed according to ASTM testing protocols. Tensile, compressive, and flexural tests were conducted using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and fracture surface analysis was performed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to identify microstructural defects such as voids and interlayer adhesion issues. The results indicate that infill density and print orientation significantly influence the mechanical performance of the PLM material. Samples printed with 100% infill and 0° orientation exhibited the highest tensile and flexural strengths, while compression resistance increased with higher infill percentages. SEM analysis revealed that inadequate layer bonding and void formation contribute to material failure under stress. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing printing parameters to enhance the structural integrity of 3D-printed materials. This study provides valuable insights for industries utilizing additive manufacturing in applications requiring mechanically robust polymer components. Future research may explore the reinforcement of PLM materials with composite additives and hybrid fabrication techniques to improve material properties. This study provides a comparative analysis of PLA, PETG, and ABS materials under identical printing conditions to identify optimal parameter combinations for enhanced mechanical performance.

Downloads: | DOI: 10.17148/IARJSET.2026.13507