Modeling and analysis of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process parameters on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic parts

The fused deposition modeling (FDM) process is one of the rapid prototyping technique using thermoplastics materials such as polylactide (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in a molten state to produce products directly from the CAD model to 3D fabricated part. FDM is an additive manufacturing (AM) process where products made by, layer by placing a layer of melted plastic material on the platform from bottom to the top. In this study the impact of FDM process parameters on the various mechanical properties like fill density, extruder temperature; platform temperature; print speed; travel speed; stress, strain and total deformation of parts fabricated on a 3D printer with PLA and ABS is evaluated. Influence of process parameters was examined through a design of experiments (DOE) approach. For the study square block selected and analysis of tensile test; compressive test results was processed with the ANSYS software. The obtained deformation, strain and stress results indicate the influence of process parameters used in FDM on mechanical properties of 3D printed thermoplastic parts.