Investigate the effects of process parameters on material properties and microstructural changes of 3D-printed specimens using fused deposition modelling (FDM)

ABSTRACT

One of the most significant parameters of the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) for 3D printing process is the raster angle. In this study, the five different raster angles are used to fabricate the 3D parts using thermoplastic material - polylactic acid (PLA), and tensile properties of these parts are investigated to identify the best raster position to fabricate the strongest 3D printing part. In this study, the microstructural analyses on fracture interface, and on outer and inner surfaces of these 3D parts are performed using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine material failure modes and reasons, and defects in the 3D parts. This study identified the best raster orientation to lie down the layers of 3D printing material during the process. This study also identified that there are several defects in 3D printed parts at micro level that have large impact on mechanical properties of 3D printed part.

KEYWORDS:

• 3D printer
• PLA
• Fused deposition modelling (FDM)
• Additive manufacturing (AM)
• microstructural analysis
• raster angles
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• tensile test

Acknowledgments

This work is carried out at University of Sunderland, the author would like to thank the University of Sunderland to provide fund for purchasing the 3D-printing material. I like to thank Mr Carl Gregg at The Industrial Centre Sunderland to fabricate the 3D-printed specimens. I also would like to thank Ms Kayleigh Ironside to provide her support and assistance in undertaking this SEM work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.