3D printed multi-material polylactic acid (PLA) origami-inspired structures for quasi-static and impact applications

Origami patterns can be used to inspire the designs of structural materials with beneficial properties, such as low strength-to-weight ratios. This study explores the design, manufacturing, and mechanical properties of three different origami-inspired shapes, as well as three different material combinations for each shape, through dynamic impact testing and quasi-static compression testing. The commonly studied Miura origami pattern will be compared to two uncommon patterns: a square-based pattern and a triangular-based pattern. The samples are 3D printed and the material combinations include one rigid and one flexible polylactic acid (PLA) sample, and one multi-material configuration with flexible PLA crease areas and rigid PLA origami faces. The rigid square sample was the most effective at absorbing a single drop-weight impact load and the flexible Miura pattern was most effective at absorbing impact loads when multiple drops were performed on the same sample. The rigid triangular structure withstood the highest loads during the quasi-static compression testing. A finite element model of the quasi-static compression test was built to enhance the analysis of the various tested configurations.