Abstract: The 3D printed wire with a diameter of （1.75±0.05） mm was prepared by melt blending through twin-screw extrusion using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a matrix and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) as a modifier. Furthermore, fused deposition molding (FDM) was performed to prepare the 3D-printed items by use of this PLA/TPU blending wire. The effects of TPU content and deposition style on the impact properties of PLA/TPU blends were investigated by using pendulum impact tester and scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that the addition of TPU greatly improved the impact toughness of PLA by 631.0 %. The fused deposition style also exhibited a significant effect on the notched impact strength of PLA/TPU blends. The blends achieved optimum impact toughness at 45 °/45 ° to present an increase by 101.9 %. This work provided a scientific evidence for the design of 3D printing process parameters in an FDM mode.

Key words: poly(lactic acid); thermoplastic polyurethane, fused deposition molding;deposition style, impact strength