This paper describes in detail a series of static tests conducted in a three-point bend configuration on three build orientations (i.e., 0°, 45°, and 90°) of additively manufactured Nylon 12 (PA12) specimens produced with a powder refresh ratio of 50%, using a benchtop industrial SLS platform, Formlabs Fuse 1. The bending strength and flexural elasticity moduli are determined following ISO 173 specifications and by employing a more complex equation that considers the influence of large deflections as per ISO 14125 indications. Statistical variability of experimental data is considered and compared to the results from the literature. Through a fractographic SEM study, the damage morphologies of tested specimens are analyzed and associated with the recorded load-deflection curves for an accurate perception of build orientation-dependent anisotropy in bending properties of AM PA12 SLS specimens. A surprising result of this investigation is that the specimens built with 45° orientation showed superior modulus elasticity in flexure but a low bending strength compared to flatwise oriented specimens. In addition, a Weibull reliability quantification of bending strength is adapted to pinpoint the effects of internal 3D printing flaws (contained within a characteristic highly-stressed volume of material) over the failure probability of the three build orientations in question.

Drilling is one of the oldest and most important methods of processing wood and wood-based materials. Knowing the optimum value of factors that affect the drilling process could lead both to high-quality furniture and low-energy consumption during the manufacturing process. In this work, the artificial neural network modeling technique and response surface methodology were employed to reveal the optimum value of selected factors, namely, drill tip angle, tooth bite, and drill type of the delamination factor at the inlet and outlet, thrust force, and drilling torque. The data set that was used in this work to develop and validate the ANN models was collected from the literature. The results showed that the developed ANN models could reasonably predict the analyzed responses. By using these models and the response surface methodology, the optimum values of analyzed factors were revealed. Moreover, the influences of selected factors on the drilling process of wood particleboards were analyzed.

Wood–polymer composites (WPCs) consistently garner considerable attention owing to their material versatility and sustainability, resulting in numerous review studies across diverse disciplines. Nonetheless, since a comprehensive synthesis that consolidates these disparate reviews is lacking, this study performs a meta-synthesis of review articles focused on WPCs employing a science-mapping approach enhanced by CiteSpace software. A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection (last updated in June 2025) was conducted, yielding 51 review-type articles selected using PRISMA screening guidelines. Network-based co-citation, clustering, and keyword analyses reveal that recent WPC research centers on three interconnected areas: (i) reinforcement and interfacial engineering, (ii) processing–structure–property relationships, and (iii) sustainability-focused design involving recycling, fire safety, thermal pretreatment, and PCM-based thermal management. Sixteen author/reference clusters and nine keyword clusters highlight well-defined knowledge communities on durability and fire safety, nano- and bio-based reinforcements, recycled and bioplastic matrices, and advanced manufacturing techniques such as co-extrusion, flat-pressing, 3D printing, and wood–polymer impregnation. Timeline and burst analyses show that mechanical performance remains the primary focus, while emerging areas include recycled/waste-derived polymers, cellulose micro- and nanofibers, moisture-resistant hybrids, and wood-based additive manufacturing for construction applications.

The present paper investigates the possibility of replacing the traditional L-type corner joint used in chair construction with a 3D printed connector, manufactured using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method and black PLA as filament. The connector was designed to assemble the legs with seat rails and stretchers, and it was tested under diagonal tensile and compression loads. Its performance was compared to that of the traditional mortise-and-tenon joint. Stresses and displacements of the jointed members with connector were analyzed using non-linear Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis. Both connector and mortise-and-tenon joint were employed to build chair prototypes made from beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.). Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method was used to analyze the displacements in the vicinity of the jointed members of the chairs. Seat and backrest static load tests were carried out in order to verify if the chairs withstand standard loading requirements. Results indicated that the 3D printed connector exhibited equivalent mechanical performance as the traditional joint. The recorded displacement values of the chair with 3D-printed connectors were higher than those of the traditional chair reaching 0.6 mm on the X-axis and 1.1 mm on the Y-axis, without any failures under a maximum vertical load of approximately 15 kN applied to the seat. However, it successfully withstood the loads for seating and backrest standard tests, in accordance with EN 1728:2012, without any structural failure. This paper presents a new approach for the chair manufacturing sector, with potential applicability to other types of furniture.

This study analyses the three-point bending behavior of Nylon 12 (PA12) specimens produced using two additive manufacturing technologies (i.e., fused filament fabrication and selective laser sintering). A Nylon 12 commercially available filament (from Fiberlab S.A.) was selected to employ the fused filament fabrication method (FFF) with a Prusa 3D desktop printer, whereas Nylon 12 sintering powder (from Formlabs Inc.) was chosen for selective laser sintering (SLS) using a benchtop industrial SLS platform, Formlabs Fuse 1, with a powder refresh ratio of 30%. The bending strength and flexural elasticity moduli were determined by following ISO 178:2019 standard specifications to assess the effect of two different technologies on the mechanical behavior of three-point bending specimens produced in three distinct build orientations (i.e., 0°, 45°, and 90°) relative to the printing platform. One-way ANOVA analysis, Tukey’s HSD, and Games-Howell tests are considered to assess the statistical variability of experimental data and compare the mean values of bending strength and flexural moduli. The testing results for the three orientations under question show notable differences and interesting similarities either in terms of strength or elasticity response for a significance p-level of 0.05.