JFET_V10_N3_RP4 Effects of Electroplating on the Mechanical Properties of FDM-PLA Parts Naveen Kumar T.V. Mithun Kulkarni Manu Ravuri Elangovan K. Kannan S. Journal on Future Engineering and Technology 2230 – 7184 10 3 29 37 PLA, Electroplating, FDM, Coatings, Scoring, RP In this paper, the rapid fabrication method based on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Electrochemical deposition is described in detail, and mechanical test results of composite nickel-coated FDM-PLA (PLA – Poly Lactic Acid) parts are presented. Coatings of electrodeposited nickel on FDM prototypes result in increase in Young's modulus, UTS, and Impact strength. Electrodeposited nickel coating has dramatically improved the overall strength and stiffness of FDM parts. Rule of mixture theory was used to predict the stiffness of the developed composites. The predicted values and the physical test results almost matched, although the experimental values were bit lower in comparison. February - April 2015 Copyright © 2015 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=3346