Dimensional accuracy of FDM-printed polymer parts

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to analyze experimentally and numerically the effect of the nozzle temperature and feed rates on the dimensions of the fused deposition modeling (FDM) polymer parts. Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 strips per sample were printed with the same width as the nozzle diameter. The strips were printed with one vertical movement of the nozzle head. The width of the strips was measured with a caliper at five locations. A linear regression model was created based on the experimental data to understand the correlation between the strip width deviation and the parameters of interest. Numerical simulations were performed to predict the swell of the polymer exiting the nozzle using finite element method combined with level set method. The experimental results were then used to validate the models. Findings The average accuracy of polylactic acid (PLA) samples was better than that of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) samples. The average strip width had a tendency to increase with increasing temperature for PLA samples, whereas ABS samples showed mixed behavior. The strip width decreased with increasing feed rate for most cases. The measurement positions had a major effect on strip width when compared to nozzle temperature and feed rate. The numerical model predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data. A few discrepancies were observed at high feed rates and nozzle temperatures. Originality/value This study will contribute to gaps in knowledge regarding the effect of processing conditions on dimensional accuracy of FDM-printed parts. The developed numerical model can be efficiently used to predict the dimensional accuracy of FDM-printed parts.