Effect of Immediate Thermal Exposure on the Surface Mechanical Performance of Polyurethane-Coated Oak Wood and Visible 3D-Printed Furniture Components

Abstract

A polyurethane coating represents the conventional solution for protecting and finishing visible wooden furniture surfaces. However, the increasing use of additive manufacturing has introduced visible 3D-printed polymer components whose surface mechanical performance is relevant to their application in furniture. This study investigated the effect of short-term exposure to 60 °C for 1 h on the surface mechanical properties of a pigmented polyurethane coating applied to oak wood and 3D-printed PLA, ABS-T and PET-G components. Specimens were evaluated under laboratory conditions (20 °C) and immediately after exposure to 60 °C, while their surfaces remained at an elevated temperature. Impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and scratch resistance using a tungsten carbide tip were determined according to the relevant standards, and the surface damage was assessed by visual inspection and digital microscopy. The polyurethane coating exhibited the smallest impact indentation diameter but showed earlier crack initiation and lower abrasion resistance than the 3D-printed polymers. Among the investigated polymers, ABS-T provided the most balanced combination of impact resistance, abrasion resistance and surface hardness, whereas PLA exhibited the greatest dimensional changes after exposure to 60 °C. Microscopic analysis revealed surface defects that were not detectable by visual inspection, demonstrating the value of digital microscopy for detecting subtle surface damage. The results indicate that ABS-T is a promising material for visible furniture components exposed to short-term elevated temperatures, while PET-G should be used with caution in applications exposed to radiant heat or direct sunlight.