Influence Of Parameters On Mechanical Properties Of Thermoplastic Polymers Obtained By Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Abstract

Fused filament Fabrication (FFF) is one of the typical Rapid Prototyping (RP) process that can fabricate prototypes from various model materials. To predict the mechanical behaviour of FFF parts, it is necessary to understand their material properties, and the effect that the FFF build parameters have on this later. In this study, two thermoplastic polymers (ABS and PLA), obtained by two open source 3D printers are studied. The key printing parameters that we looked into were: layer height, pattern geometry and % of infill density, by keeping constant the fabrication orientation, perimeter overlap, velocity of deposit and model temperature. In the main body of this study, we provided a detailed description of the influence of these parameters on rigidity (Young Modulus) and yield stress (0.2 % of strain). For this purpose, Taguchi’s statistical experimental design technique was applied and compared to full design’s one. The results obtained from Taguchi’s method show that layer height and pattern geometry has no effect on the Young Modulus, as well as pattern geometry on Re0.2 response in the studied range of infill density, whereas true infill density potentially affects the considered responses. In addition, the layer height may also affect slightly the yield stress response. Moreover, a good concordance of Young Modulus evolution versus infill density has been observed for both ABS and PLA materials, as well as two experimental design methods.