Tensile test data on PLA samples with and without sterilization

To successfully implement additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for custom medical device (MD) production with low-cost resources, it is imperative to understand the effect of common and affordable sterilization processes, such as formaldehyde or steam sterilization, on pieces manufactured by AM. In this way, the performance of low-risk MDs, such as biomodels and surgical guides, could be assessed for complying with safety, precision, and MD delivery requirements. In this context, the present work aimed to evaluate the effect of formaldehyde and steam sterilization on the dimensional and mechanical stability of standard PLA test pieces produced by fused deposition modeling (FDM). To achieve this, PLA samples were sterilized according to the sterilization protocol of a public hospital in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia. Results indicated statistically significant changes in mechanical strength and dimensional changes as a function of manufacturing parameters. This research attempts to contribute to the consolidation of the set of processing variables that could make PLA-based MD fabrication through AM technologies a feasible, reliable, and economical alternative for developing countries. This dataset contains files related to tensile tests on parts manufactured by AM using PLA, under sterilization and control. There are raw data in Excel for tensile tests, code in R-studio for statistical analysis (nonparametric comparison and multivariable analysis), and three t-bone samples assembly in stl for additive manufacturing.