Mechanical Properties of Externally Invisible Furniture Joints Made of Wood-Based Composites

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to design and determine the mechanical properties of innovative, externally invisible, 3D-printed cabinet furniture joints that can be assembled without the use of tools. The cognitive objective of the study was to ascertain the stiffness and strength of designed joints that differed in the number and length of fasteners, as well as in the kind of connected panel materials. During the tests, a digital image analysis method was used for verifying analytical calculations. The finite element method was used for determining the mechanical properties of joints. Results showed that the joint designed with a dual-conical fastener was characterized by high stiffness and strength. The stiffness and strength of the joint depended on the number and length of fasteners. The low level of stress in the panel elements guaranteed durable, safe utilization of cabinet furniture made of medium density fiberboard and particleboard. In conclusion, ease of assembly and disassembly of joints without tools, external invisibility, good aesthetics, high resistance, and stiffness ensure a high potential for 3D-printed cabinet furniture joints in industry and trade.