Devices designed for energy absorption reduce the impact on various systems by converting kinetic energy into strain energy. This study explores the use of polylactic acid in conjunction with additive manufacturing processes to create such devices, with a focus on improving their performance through thermal processing. Key performance indicators for these devices include thermal gradients, relative density, and folding failures. It was found that applying an annealing heat treatment improved specific energy absorption (SEA) by 33 %. Further improvements to this type of device can be achieved by combining post-printing heat treatment with relative density to eliminate thermal gradients. With the right design, this solution can be adapted for use in a variety of applications.

Maestro en Ingeniería Automotriz