Operational Performance and Energy Efficiency of MEX 3D Printing with Polyamide 6 (PA6): Multi-Objective Optimization of Seven Control Settings Supported by L27 Robust Design

Abstract

Both energy efficiency and robustness are popular demands for 3D-printed components nowadays. These opposing factors require compromises. This study examines the effects of seven general control variables on the energy demands and the compressive responses of polyamide (PA6) material extrusion (MEX) 3D printed samples. Nozzle Temperature, Layer Thickness, Orientation Angle, Raster Deposition Angle, Printing Speed, Bed Temperature, and Infill Density were studied. An L27 orthogonal array was compiled with five replicas. A total of 135 trials were conducted, following the ASTM D695-02a specifications. The stopwatch method was used to assess the construction time and energy usage. The compressive strength, toughness, and elasticity modulus were experimentally determined. The Taguchi technique ranks each control parameter’s impact on each response measure. The control parameter that had the greatest impact on both energy use and printing time was layer thickness. Additionally, the infill density had the greatest influence on the compressive strength. Quadratic regression model equations were formed for each of the response measures. The ideal compromise between mechanical strength and energy efficiency is now reported, with merit related to technological and economic benefits.