Evaluation of 3D-Printed Pin Materials on the Deflection of Medium-density Fiberboard and Particleboard Shelves

Abstract

The deflection behavior and safety performance were studied for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB) shelves reinforced with metal, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) pins. Experimental testing and finite element analysis (FEA) were used to assess the effects of shelf material, pin material, and filament color on the global mid-span deflection of the shelf, load capacity, and safety factors. Results indicated that MDF shelves exhibited lower deflection and higher load-bearing capacity than PB shelves, highlighting the importance of material density and homogeneity. Metal dowels provided the lowest deformation and highest safety factors for both shelf types, followed by PLA and PETG pins. Variations in filament color and pigment caused only minor differences in PLA pins, while finite element simulations closely matched the experimental results, confirming the reliability of computer-aided analysis for predicting deflection behavior and preventing material damage. Experiments conducted in accordance with BS EN 16122 (2012) and TS EN 9215 (2005) demonstrated that material and filament characteristics significantly affected deflection (R² = 96.1%, adjusted R² = 94.2%), and that MDF panels reinforced with high-strength, preferably metal, pins provide safe and durable shelf systems with a minimum safety factor of ≥ 2 to 3.