Effects of annealing and acetone vapor smoothing on the tensile properties and surface roughness of FDM printed ABS components

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to present the optimization of parameters and effects of annealing and vapor smoothing post-processing treatments on the surface roughness and tensile mechanical properties of fused deposition modeling (FDM) printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Design/methodology/approach Full-factorial test matrices were designed to determine the most effective treatment parameters for post-processing. The parameters for annealing were temperature and time, whereas the parameters for the vapor smoothing were volume of acetone and time. Analysis of surface roughness and tensile test results determined influences of the levels of parameters to find an ideal balance between mechanical properties and roughness. Findings Optimal parameters for vapor smoothing and annealing were determined. Vapor smoothing resulted in significantly higher improvements to surface roughness than annealing. Both treatments generally resulted in decreased mechanical properties. Of all treatments tested, annealing at 100 °C for 60 min provided the greatest benefit to tensile properties and vapor smoothing with 20 mL of acetone for 15 min provided the greatest benefit to surface roughness while balancing effects on properties. Originality/value Vapor smoothing and annealing of FDM ABS have typically been studied independently for their effects on surface roughness and material properties, respectively, with varying materials and manufacturing methods. This study objectively compares the effects of each treatment on both characteristics simultaneously to recommend ideal treatments for maximizing the balance between the final quality and performance of FDM components. The significance of the input variables for each treatment have also been analyzed. These findings should provide value to end-users of 3D printed components seeking to balance these critical aspects of manufacturing.