Fused filament fabrication parameter adjustments for sustainable 3D printing

ABSTRACT

Sustainability denotes that energy consumption and its effects on society should also be considered at the early stages of a product idea, except for the product structure cost. Quality metrics of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printed parts as time, quality and flexibility are also crucial for the well-being of the production of the elements. This work analyses the sustainability of low-cost 3D printed parts and advocates good practices. By following the recommended good rules, viable 3D printed components can be produced that eliminate material costs and waste. It is essential to choose the correct parameters to prepare the models that will print. Careful choices must be made during this pre-production phase because it determines how right and sustainable the final product will be. Of course, with the experience of failure prints, the user becomes more flexible and capable of making the right judgments for better sustainability.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainability
• FFF
• FDM
• 3D
• printing
• material
• extrusion
• optimization
• cost
• energy
• flexibility
• nozzle

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).