The purpose of this study is to investigate the tribological performance of high-temperature-resistant polymer components fabricated using stereolithography (SLA), a prominent additive manufacturing technique. Specifically, it aims to evaluate the effects of different build orientations (0°, 30°, 90°), lubrication conditions (dry, machine oil and palm oil as a bio-lubricant) and applied loads (5 N and 10 N) on the wear and friction behavior of HT31 resin parts. By analyzing wear mechanisms through mass loss measurements and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, the study seeks to provide insights into the feasibility of using SLA-produced polymers in functional applications and to explore sustainable lubrication alternatives.
In this study, high-temperature-resistant HT31 resin samples were fabricated using SLA at three different build orientations (0°, 30° and 90°). Tribological tests were performed under dry, machine oil and palm oil (bio-lubricant) lubrication conditions using a ball-on-disc tribometer at two normal loads (5 N and 10 N). The friction coefficients were recorded during testing, and wear volumes were calculated based on mass loss measurements. SEM was used to examine the wear mechanisms. This approach enabled a systematic evaluation of how printing orientation, lubrication type and load influence the wear and frictional performance of SLA-printed polymer components.
The study revealed that both build orientation and lubrication significantly influence the tribological performance of SLA-printed HT31 polymer parts. Samples printed at 0° exhibited the lowest surface roughness and wear, especially under palm oil lubrication, with a minimum wear factor of 0.2083×10−7 mm³/Nm at 10 N. In contrast, 30° orientation showed the highest roughness and wear under dry and machine oil conditions. Palm oil consistently reduced wear across all orientations, highlighting its effectiveness as a sustainable lubricant. Increased applied force generally elevated wear in dry conditions, whereas lubrication, particularly with palm oil, mitigated this effect.
This study is limited to one high-temperature SLA resin (HT31) and a single bio-lubricant (palm oil), which may not reflect the full range of available materials or eco-friendly lubricants. In further studies it would be valuable to extend the study with different engineering polymers and bio-lubricants. Nonetheless, the results offer valuable insights into how build orientation and bio-lubrication influence SLA part performance, encouraging further studies with varied materials, lubricants and operating environments.
The findings of this study offer practical insights for industries using SLA in functional applications. By demonstrating that build orientation and lubrication conditions significantly influence wear and friction performance, the study provides guidance for optimizing the design and operational use of SLA-fabricated polymer components. The successful use of palm oil as a bio-lubricant highlights a sustainable alternative to conventional lubricants, promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. These insights are particularly valuable for sectors such as automotive, aerospace and tooling, where lightweight, high-performance and sustainable materials are increasingly prioritized in component design and material selection.
This study contributes to sustainable manufacturing by demonstrating the potential of bio-lubricants, such as palm oil, as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional petroleum-based lubricants. Promoting the use of biodegradable lubricants can reduce environmental pollution and support global efforts toward greener industrial practices. In addition, optimizing additive manufacturing processes using high-temperature polymers like HT31 may lead to more efficient production of lightweight, custom components, reducing material waste and energy consumption. These advancements align with broader societal goals for environmental responsibility, resource efficiency and sustainable technology development, ultimately benefiting both industry and the wider community through cleaner and more responsible manufacturing solutions.
This study uniquely explores the tribological performance of SLA-printed high-temperature HT31 resin components under varying build orientations and lubrication conditions, including the use of a bio-lubricant (palm oil). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study in the literature has combined the evaluation of HT31 material with bio-lubricants and the influence of print orientation on wear and friction behavior. This research not only contributes original findings to the field of sustainable additive manufacturing but also highlights the potential of bio-lubricants in reducing environmental impact while enhancing functional performance of polymer-based components.
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2025-0207/
