Mechanical properties and geometric accuracy of angle-shaped parts manufactured using the FFF method

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, allows the shaping of parts with a complex geometry without the need for additional technological equipment [1]. Moreover, a broad spectrum of additive manufacturing varieties makes it possible to manufacture parts from many types of materials [2]. However, concerning traditional technologies (casting, machining and plastics moulding), AM has significant constraints relating to its efficiency and the quality and, above all, the physical and chemical properties of the manufactured parts [3]. Therefore, the scope of AM applications in the industrial production of everyday products is still relatively limited [4]. For most types of AM methods, especially those in which metal alloys are not used, production is focused mainly on prototypes and visual supplies [5], some types of tooling [6] and simple parts which are not heavy-duty [7]. One of the most commonly used additive manufacturing methods is FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), also known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling). In this method, the physical version of a part is made from thermoplastic material. The production itself consists of applying plasticized material extruded through a nozzle with a circular end section, moving along the X and Y axis, parallel to the print bed, which is often enclosed in a chamber (see Fig. 1). After applying the material within one layer, the print bed moves its position relative to the head along the Z axis, at a value corresponding to the defined thickness of a single layer. The FDM technological parameters are related to the parts manufactured (product parameters) and to the process of mateMATERIAL SCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY