Revista de Ciencias Tecnológicas (RECIT). Volumen 3 (1): 10-22
Revista de Ciencias Tecnológicas (RECIT). Universidad Autónoma de Baja California ISSN 2594-1925
Volumen 6 (3): e254. Julio-Septiembre, 2023. https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v6n3e254
Cases studies
Design and finite element analysis of a 3D-printed
packaging insert
Diseño y análisis de elemento finito de un inserto para empaque
manufacturado por impresión 3D
Ismael Alejandro Muñoz Salazar1, Isaías Emmanuel Garduño Olvera2, Mayra del Angel
Monroy3
1Posgrado CIATEQ, A.C. Centro de Tecnología Avanzada, Eje 126 No. 225, Zona Industrial del Potosí, 78395,
San Luis Potosí, México
2CONAHCYT – CIATEQ, A.C. Centro de Tecnología Avanzada, Eje 126 No. 225, Zona Industrial del Potosí,
78395, San Luis Potosí, México
3Plásticos y Materiales Avanzados – CIATEQ, A.C. Centro de Tecnología Avanzada, Eje 126 No. 225, Zona
Industrial del Potosí, 78395, San Luis Potosí, México
Corresponding author: Mayra del Ángel Monroy, Plásticos y Materiales Avanzados – CIATEQ, A.C. Centro de Tecnología Avanzada, Eje
126 No. 225, Zona Industrial del Potosí, 78395, San Luis Potosí, México. E-mail: mayra.delangel@ciateq.mx. ORCID: 0000-0001-8205-
0949.
Received: April 26, 2023 Accepted: June 28, 2023 Published: July 9, 2023
Abstract. - Packaging inserts play a crucial role in protecting products during transportation. However, their design and
production processes often rely on conventional methods limiting equipment capabilities. Moreover, the empirical nature of
their design can result in a lack of reliability in the final product. To address these challenges, this study aimed to validate the
design of a packaging insert using the finite element method and subsequently create it using 3D printing. The chosen material
is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament commonly used in fused deposition filament printers for 3D printing. This
process demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D printing to create cushioning inserts for packaging and employing finite
element analysis to simulate the insert behavior. The main findings of this research highlight the potential benefits of numerical
simulation, revealing the areas where the insert is primarily impacted by weight. Furthermore, the forces load and
displacement simulation results confirm that the TPU elastic limit (3.9x106 MPa) is sufficient to handle the weight this insert
intends to hold. These tools determine the viability of the proposed design for its intended application. Therefore, this study
verifies that 3D printing is a reliable option for producing packaging inserts, offering significant advantages over traditional
methods. These advantages include increased design flexibility and the ability to create custom inserts on demand.
Keywords: Packaging insert; Finite element analysis; 3D printing.
Resumen. - Los insertos de empaque juegan un papel crucial en la protección de los productos durante el transporte. Sin
embargo, sus procesos de diseño y producción a menudo se basan en métodos convencionales que limitan las capacidades del
equipo. Además, la naturaleza empírica de su diseño puede resultar en una falta de confiabilidad en el producto final. Para
abordar estos desafíos, este estudio tuvo como objetivo validar el diseño de un inserto de empaque utilizando el método de
elementos finitos y posteriormente crearlo mediante impresión 3D. El material elegido es un filamento de poliuretano
termoplástico (TPU) comúnmente utilizado en impresoras de filamento de deposición fundida para impresión 3D. Este proceso
demuestra la viabilidad de utilizar la impresión 3D para crear insertos acolchados para empaques y emplear el análisis de
elementos finitos para simular el comportamiento del inserto. Los principales hallazgos de esta investigación destacan los
beneficios potenciales de la simulación numérica, revelando las áreas donde el inserto se ve afectado principalmente por el
peso. Además, los resultados de la simulación de carga y desplazamiento de fuerzas confirman que el límite elástico de TPU
(3.9x106 MPa) es suficiente para manejar el peso que este inserto pretende soportar. Estas herramientas determinan la
viabilidad del diseño propuesto para su aplicación prevista. Por lo tanto, este estudio verifica que la impresión 3D es una
opción confiable para producir insertos de empaque, que ofrece ventajas significativas sobre los métodos tradicionales. Estas
ventajas incluyen una mayor flexibilidad de diseño y la capacidad de crear insertos personalizados bajo demanda.
Palabras clave: Inserto para empaque; Análisis por elemento finito; Impresión 3D.
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1. Introduction
The need to move materials from one point to
another in the supply chain, especially in the
automotive sector, requires the creation of
containers or devices that allow the parts to be
moved while preserving their quality [1].
Additionally, such a way avoids damage
generated by the movement during handling,
such as impacts, vibrations, falls, dirt, and heels
[2]. In terms of the car lights, an internal report
considers that within a six-month period, 7.76%
of the car lights experienced failures associated
with parcel handling. Such damages correspond
to a loss of $2609.71 USD.
A way to counteract damage is creating fastening
means for the pieces that prevent inappropriate
movements that harm the material. These
fastening means are commonly known as inserts
or inner packing for packaging in the automotive
industry's supply chain [3, 4]. These elements
make up a shape with a specific geometry and
different materials with varying mechanical
properties, such as compression, bending,
toughness, roughness, and thermal conditions.
These properties are chosen based on the type of
product that will be stored and where the product
will be physically located, such as warehouses,
factories, seaports, or points of sale [5]. The
design of the elements corresponds to suit the
product and the conditions where it will be stored
or moved [6].
The packaging inserts are manufactured using
conventional methods such as plastic injection or
material detachment machining. However, these
methods have limitations regarding shapes,
geometries, and materials, increasing costs and
manufacturing times and potentially leading to a
higher margin of clamping failure.
In this context, additive manufacturing, mainly
3D printing, emerges as the most advantageous
method. It enables the production of customized
inserts with the desired freedom in form. Unlike
conventional manufacturing, where the cost
increases with each unique piece, 3D printing
allows for cost-effective production regardless of
the variation in design [7]. Although this
technology is still relatively new, the growing
demand for free-form enclosures is expected to
increase its adoption over time. Consequently,
the wider usage of 3D printing will likely lead to
lower prices and broader industrial applications
[1-3].
This research aims to numerically simulate the
finite element analysis for an insert used in
packaging automotive headlights. The chosen
method for producing the insert material is fused
deposition melting (FDM) technology. This
method was selected due to its cost-effectiveness
and efficiency in production time, making it the
most suitable choice. In contrast, conventional
manufacturing methods such as plastic injection
or material detachment are currently used for
producing packaging inserts. However, these
methods limit shapes, geometries, and materials,
resulting in higher manufacturing costs, longer
production times, and potentially increased
clamping failure margins. Given these
limitations, additive manufacturing, specifically
3D printing, offers the most advantages as it
enables the production of unique inserts with the
desired freedom in design.
1.1 Packaging
The main roles of packaging in the supply chain
are protection, containment, and preservation. In
addition to these traditional functions, there is a
growing awareness of the benefits of more
efficient and environmentally friendly packaging
[2, 4]. From both financial and sustainable
perspectives, efficient packaging leads to a more
efficient supply chain. Reducing packaging
materials is one of the representative efforts
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which improves environmental performance and
reduces operational costs. Furthermore, due to
recent legislative changes regarding packaging
and packaging waste, many firms must
reconsider their use of packaging [5]. According
to the International Trade Center
UNCTAD/WTO [8], packaging has four
essential functions:
1) Contain
2) Protect
3) Ease of handling
4) Promote sales
Each package and each part of the package must
fulfill these four essential functions as
economically as possible. The first three
functions support structural design, while the last
relates to the graphical method.
The packaging materials that protect fragile
items, such as electronics and glass, are crucial
and require careful design and production [8].
These materials should have excellent
cushioning properties to effectively protect the
packaged products while having a low density to
reduce transportation costs, good barrier
properties to prevent moisture, and good
processability for proper buffering. The most
crucial factor in selecting cushioning packaging
materials is their ability to absorb impact energy
and control impact acceleration within the range
of product fragility. Additionally, using less
design material, the packaging must provide
efficient cushioning to absorb shock energy.
Plastic foams and polystyrene, which are non-
biodegradable and have high transportation
costs, make up most of the protective and
cushioning packaging materials and pose
significant disposal problems [9]. Therefore, the
demand for sustainable and biodegradable
cushioning materials has arisen, prompting the
creation of engineered cellular materials with
defined shapes, sizes, and densities using 3D
printing technology [10]. Lattice structures made
from these materials are efficient and superior
energy-absorbing materials with the potential for
scale-up in engineering applications [11, 12],
[13]. For example, researchers have
demonstrated the acoustic absorption capability
of poly (lactic acid) foams with various cell sizes
and distributions produced using 3D printing
technology [14, 15]. One essential point to
consider is the mechanical properties of the 3D-
printed parts. The mechanical properties of 3D
printed components can vary depending on
several factors, including the printing
technology, material used, design of the piece,
and post-processing techniques employed.
Some common mechanical properties of 3D-
printed parts that are important to consider [16-
18]:
• Strength refers to the maximum load or
stresses a 3D-printed part can withstand
before breaking. It is influenced by the
material used, printing orientation, infill
density, and layer thickness.
• Stiffness: This refers to the ability of a
3D-printed part to resist deformation
under an applied load which is influenced
by the material used and the part's
geometry.
• Toughness: This refers to the ability of a
3D-printed part to absorb energy before
fracturing. It is influenced by the material
used and the printing parameters.
• Fatigue resistance: This refers to the
ability of a 3D-printed part to withstand
repeated loading over time. It is
influenced by the material used, printing
orientation, infill density, and post-
processing techniques employed.
• Creep resistance: This refers to the ability
of a 3D-printed part to resist deformation
under a constant load over time. It is
influenced by the material used and the
printing parameters.
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Considering these mechanical properties while
designing 3D-printed parts for specific
applications is essential. Additionally,
conducting testing and analysis can determine
the mechanical properties of a 3D-printed part
and optimize its performance. [15, 16].
1.2. Inserts
The insert is the component that reinforces the
packaging since it must protect the product from
impacts and vibrations and return to its original
shape to provide greater cushioning.
Notwithstanding, the most used inserts are
usually made of expanded polystyrene or plastic;
the industry employs many materials, e.g., air
encapsulations, a packaging material of air
bubbles enclosed between two polyethylene
sheets [2]. This process allows the encapsulated
air to provide a cushion to protect against shock.
Other inserts like FOAM (Polyethylene) sheets
are lightweight, soft, and resilient foam with
excellent surface protection and cushioning
properties [3, 4].
Other protective packaging materials are FOAM
expanded, formed by a chemical mixture that
expands into foam and generates a protective
mold around the content or product. Foam-in-
place creates a mold around the part supporting
corners protecting the edges and helping with
cushioning. Finally, Kraft paper (not newspaper
or newsprint) is wrapped and crumpled to fill the
space within a package, providing rigidity and
cushioning [2, 5].
1.3. Additive manufacturing processes
The norm ISO/ASTM52900-15 is a standard for
additive manufacturing (AM) [19], which
provides a standard set of terminology, process
principles, and process control methodologies for
the AM industry. The primary purpose of this
norm is to establish a foundation for
communication and understanding between
stakeholders in the AM industry, including
designers, manufacturers, researchers, and
regulators [19].
The norm ISO/ASTM52900-15 provides a
comprehensive framework for the entire AM
process, including design, materials, process
parameters, post-processing, testing, and quality
control. Additionally, it includes guidelines for
process characterization, validation, and
verification, as well as requirements for
documentation and traceability. The norm also
defines key terms and concepts used in AM, such
as layer thickness, build orientation, and build
platform.
The norm ISO/ASTM52900-15 is intended to
promote standardization and consistency in the
AM industry, which can help improve quality,
reduce costs, and accelerate the adoption of AM
technology. In addition, by providing a common
language and a shared understanding of AM
processes, this norm can help facilitate
collaboration and innovation in the industry
while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
For example, according to the ISO/ASTM52900-
15 concerning the additive manufacturing
process categorization standard, there are seven
additive manufacturing processes, which are
listed in Table 1 [20]:
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Table 1. Most common additive manufacturing processes.
ADDITIVE
MANUFACTURING
PROCESSES
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
DESCRIPTION
Binder Jetting
Using powder materials by using a liquid binder to stick them
together layer by layer. The binder is sprayed from a printer head that
moves over the powder bed, like an inkjet printer. The powder can
be metal, ceramic, sand or composite.
DED (Directed
Energy Deposition)
Melting metal materials by using a laser or an electron beam to melt
them and deposit them on a surface, layer by layer. The metal
materials can be in the form of powder or wire. The nozzle that sprays
the metal can move in different directions.
Material Extrusion
Plastic or other materials that can be melted and pushed through a
nozzle. The nozzle moves over a platform and deposits the material
in thin layers, one on top of another. The material hardens as it cools
down, forming the shape of the object. Material extrusion is also
known as fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition
modeling (FDM). Material extrusion can make simple and cheap
parts that are useful for prototyping or hobby projects.
Material Jetting
Liquid materials are sprayed from tiny nozzles and solidified by light
or heat. The nozzles move over a platform and deposit the material
in thin layers, one on top of another. The material can be
photopolymer, metal or wax. Material jetting can make high-
resolution and multi-material parts that are useful for prototyping or
casting.
Powder Bed Fusion
By using metal or plastic powders that are melted and fused by a heat
source, such as a laser or an electron beam. The heat source moves
over a platform and scans the cross-section of the object, layer by
layer. The powder acts as a support material and is removed after the
object is finishe.
Sheet Lamination
Method that builds an object by stacking and cutting thin sheets of
material.
Vat
Photopolymerization
A container is filled with a special liquid that can turn solid when a
shine light on it to make a 3D object out of this liquid. Using a
machine that can control the light and make it follow the shape of the
object. The machine moves the light over the liquid, and wherever
the light touches, the liquid becomes solid. The machine does this
over and over again, making thin layers of solid material on top of
each other, until your object is complete.
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1.4. Numerical Simulation FEA
The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is the
simulation of any given physical phenomenon
using the numerical technique called the finite
element method. The FEA software reduces the
number of physical prototypes and experiments
and optimizes components in their design phase
to develop better products faster while saving on
expenses [21]. Using mathematics to understand
and quantify any physical phenomena
comprehensively is necessary. The development
of FEA has been driven by the desire for more
accurate design computations in more complex
situations, allowing improvements in design
procedures and products [21, 22].
1.5. FEA and 3D printing integration
Computer simulation tools have become
increasingly popular in recent years to evaluate
and improve various processes, including many
for manufacturing applications. In particular, 3D
printing technology with advanced simulation
tools has enabled engineers to bring virtual
designs to life in physical reality, providing a
powerful new tool for innovation and design
optimization [23, 24]. Advanced digital
simulation tools can subject prototypes or test
parts created through 3D printing to various
simulated operating conditions, for example. By
fine-tuning the design using this iterative
process, engineers can identify and correct
potential design flaws or performance issues
before the product is manufactured [25-27]. In
addition to improving the design and
performance of existing products, 3D printing
and advanced simulation tools are also
facilitating the creation of entirely new
applications. For example, researchers have used
these tools to develop complex micro-scale
structures and devices with unique
functionalities, such as bio-inspired materials,
sensors, and actuators [28-30]. Integrating 3D
printing and advanced simulation tools provides
a powerful new approach to engineering design
that drives innovation and enhances the final
quality of many products in various industries,
including aerospace, automotive, medical, and
consumer goods [31]. As these technologies
evolve and become more widely adopted, their
potential applications will likely continue
expanding, and artificial intelligence
methodologies like machine learning and neural
network algorithms [32-35].
2. Methodology
This study fabricated the insert using the Fused
Deposition Modeling (FDM) process. A
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament was
chosen for its mechanical properties, specifically
its ability to withstand elongation and tension,
essential for withstanding the product's strains
during transportation. Additionally, TPU's
flexibility allows it to grip the pieces securely
without causing any damage. The finite element
analysis was performed using SolidWorks
software [36].
2.1 3D Printer Characteristics
Regarding the manufacturing of the insert, an
Artillery Genius Pro model printer was used in
this research. The dimensions of the print volume
are 220 x 220 x 250 mm. It has a heated bed that
increases its room temperature from 0° to 120 ℃
in 3 minutes and supports flexible materials. In
addition, it has a tempered glass platform and
double-driving screw, allowing a more stable
printing with high precision and speed
movement.
2.2 3D Printing Filament Properties
The filament for the 3D printer used in this
research is from Amazon Basics with a diameter
of 1.75 mm + / - .05 mm; black color; the spool
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contains 1 Kg of filament. The material
corresponds to thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU), with high tensile strength (26 MPa) and
high flexibility (4.3 MPa), and resists oil, grease,
and scratches; It stands up well to more rigorous
wear.
2.3 Insert Design
The designed insert in this study is circular,
making it easy to adapt to the profile of the
automotive headlight. The insert consists of two
concentric circles, one with a diameter of 20 cm
and the other with a diameter of 15 cm, with a
thickness of 1 cm. It is joined by 27 flexible radii
that serve as support, counteracting the loads on
the piece (refer to Fig. 1 for details). Notably, the
insert's design was inspired by the project entitled
"Theoretical Study of the Heterogeneity of
Forces in Airless Tires Made with Elastic
Polyurethanes" [37], which features a structure
for an airless tire that served as the basis for the
insert design.
2.4 Finite Element Analysis
The insert is designed to contain a lighthouse,
and the stowage process involves gradually
placing weight on top of the cardboard box. This
weight will create the modules of material that
will be transferred as the final product. Given the
above, the boundary conditions for this analysis
will be a fixed support point in the lower part of
the insert, another fixed support point inside the
insert that will simulate the part inside it, and a
compression point load in the upper part. The
compression load will be 50 Kg (500 N); this is
the product of the sum of the load of the weight
of 5 lighthouses inside their packages with an
approximate weight of 5 Kg each, plus the weight
of a standard wooden pallet (1140 x 1180 x 160
mm) with an estimated weight of 25 Kg. Table 2
shows the mechanical properties of the TPU
material used to print the insert for the numerical
simulation.
Table 2. Mechanical properties of the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) filament.
Property
Value
Unit
Elastic Modulus
26000000
N/m2
Poisson Coefficient
0.45
N/D
Shear Modulus
318900000
N/m2
Density
1250
Kg/m3
Tensile limit
1500000000
N/m2
Elastic limit
39000000
N/m2
2.4.1 Finite Element Mesh Properties
Several meshing proposals were made until a
calculation was completed and produced a result
that enabled the observation of the areas reaching
maximum stress and the displacements of the
piece, which can validate the design's viability
for the intended work. The latest was achieved
with a medium-density mesh with the
characteristics: of solid-type mesh, based on
curvature, with four Jacobian points, with a
quality of high-order quadratic elements of 2.12
mm and a ratio of 1.5. It has 20022 nodes and
9349 elements (see Fig. 2). Two more mesh
iterations were performed to confirm the result
with the mentioned characteristics. However,
changing the size of the quadratic elements to
50% smaller and more significant, respectively,
than the current size, therefore, changing the
mesh density to a thicker one and another thinner.
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Figure 1. The location of boundary conditions is depicted, including the support points represented in green and the
compression point load in purple, along with the corresponding mesh.
Table 3. summarizes the characteristics and the convergence results obtained for the three meshes studied.
Table 3. FEM mesh characteristics and mesh convergence results.
Element size
Element
number
Displacement
(mm)
3.18
13858
5.402
2.65
25930
5.083
2.12
50454
5.161
2.5 3D printer characteristics and parameters
As previously mentioned, choosing the
appropriate 3D printer parameters is critical for
achieving optimal results. In this case, the piece
was printed at 40 mm/second speed, using an
extruder temperature of 220°C and a hotbed
temperature of 30°C. These settings were
carefully selected to ensure proper adhesion
between the layers and prevent warping,
resulting in a high-quality print. Additionally, a
100% material infill grid pattern was utilized.
Fig. 2 illustrates the 3D-printed packaging insert.
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Figure 2. 3D-printed packaging insert final result achieved using the parameters configured on the equipment for
manufacturing the part.
3. Results and Discussions
The finite element simulation analysis provides
valuable insights into the bending behavior of the
insert and its ability to withstand compression
stress. The results indicate that the insert
experiences bending primarily in the surrounding
areas near the applied load but does not reach a
breaking point. This finding suggests that the
insert is structurally sound and can handle the
forces it is subjected.
In Fig. 3a, the maximum pressure value is
reported to be 4.59 MPa at the section where the
load is applied. This information helps to
quantify the magnitude of the compression stress
experienced by the insert. It would be beneficial
to compare this value with the known strength
limits of the insert material to ensure that it
operates within a safe range. Fig. 3b here, it is
presented the three coordinates analyzed: 1)
Located x=94.5, y=2.81, z=10 mm, with a force
of 4.59x106 MPa; 2) Located X=94.5, Y=2.81,
Z=1.67 mm with a force of 4.20x106 MPa; 3)
Located X=94.5, Y=2.81, C=1.67 mm with a
force of 4.62x106 MPa. Only the two nodes at the
edge were over the maximum admissible for the
TPU; however, their impact was insufficient to
take the whole insert to the plastic or cadence
state.
A closer examination was conducted on the
specific zone of interest to evaluate the insert's
response to the applied pressure. Fig. 4 illustrates
the minimal cadence observed in this area,
indicating that the insert reacts promptly to the
applied pressure. This responsiveness is an
essential factor to consider, as it demonstrates
that the insert can quickly adapt to external forces
and distribute them effectively.
The displacement analysis reveals no significant
inconveniences or risks associated with
executing the intended work for which the insert
was designed. The calculated displacement for
the section under consideration is approximately
5.75 mm, while each radius measured 28.5 mm.
This comparison indicates a sufficient
displacement margin, suggesting that the
observed movement does not harm the insert or
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the transported piece. Fig. 4 visually represents
this observation.
Based on the numerical simulation, it can be
concluded that the insert's design, material, and
dimensions can withstand the expected
compression load. It is important to note that
each headlight will utilize two inserts per piece,
one for each end (left side and right side).
Therefore, the compressive strength
demonstrated by each insert would be
proportionally higher than the values presented
in the results, considering the load distribution
across multiple inserts. This redundancy adds
confidence in the insert's ability to handle the
intended load.
Overall, the finite element simulation provides
strong evidence that the insert is well-suited for
its intended purpose. The bending behavior,
compression stress, prompt reaction, and
displacement analysis demonstrate that the
insert's structural integrity is maintained and can
effectively withstand the anticipated loads.
Figure 3. (a) The numerically simulated forces in the insert show that the piece would be bending, returning to its normal
position once the load is removed, without any significant risk of collapse. (b)
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The three coordinates analyzed: 1) Located
x=94.5, y=2.81, z=10 mm, with a force of
4.59x106 MPa; 2) Located X=94.5, Y=2.81,
Z=1.67 mm with a force of 4.20x106 MPa; 3)
Located X=94.5, Y=2.81, C=1.67 mm with a
force of 4.62x106 MPa.
Figure 4. The numerical simulation for the displacements show that there is no risk factor for compromising the performance
of the part since the advance forecast of this section is less than the length of the insert radio.
4. Conclusions
The design of the 3D-printed packaging insert
was validated by conducting a finite element
analysis to ensure its functionality under the
expected loads. It was possible to reproduce the
proposed insert design and material through 3D
printing. Fused filament modeling was used as an
additional method for manufacturing packaging
inserts, in addition to traditional material
detachment processes.
However, it is essential to note that finite element
analysis alone may not be sufficient for
calculating dynamic load phenomena, such as
impacts or vibrations. For such phenomena,
software that can calculate nonlinear behaviors is
required. Therefore, a complete computer-
assisted analysis would be necessary to validate
such activities.
The use of additive manufacturing for creating
inserts allows for more flexibility in design,
better adaptation to the parts according to the
application, and optimization of manufacturing
times, material amounts, and costs. The next step
in this research would be to explore new
possibilities for using unique designs, new
materials, and other additive manufacturing
technologies to adapt these inserts more widely
in both the automotive and non-automotive
industries.
The main findings of this research include the
successful reproduction of the proposed insert
design and material through 3D printing and the
potential benefits of additive manufacturing in
terms of flexibility, adaptation, and optimization
of manufacturing processes:
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1) The numerical simulation allows realizing that
the weight mainly impacts the receiving zone of
the insert
2) There are zones above the elastic limit of the
TPU (3.9x106 MPa), but it is minimal, which
does not represent a considerable risk for the
insert
3) Virtual testing regarding FEA can be done to
have visibility of the previous manufacture and
use of inserts for packing
4) It is possible to generate inserts using additive
manufacturing, specifically by FDM technology
5) The TPU has proven to be an ideal material to
accomplish this task due to its mechanical
properties as exceptional tear resistance,
hardness, and elongation
5. Acknowledgments
I. Muñoz gratefully acknowledges support from
Posgrado de CIATEQ. I. E. Garduño
acknowledges support from the Investigadores
por México - CONAHCYT program through
project No. 674.
6. Authorship acknowledgment
Ismael Muñoz: Conceptualization; methodology;
validation; writing; revision; project
administration; software; investigation; display;
draft writing; reviewing and editing. Isaías E.
Garduño: Conceptualization; methodology;
validation; writing; revision; software; reviewing
and editing. Mayra del Ángel Monroy:
Conceptualization; supervision; methodology;
validation; writing; revision; project
management; formal analysis, draft writing:
writing reviewing and editing.
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