Optimization of process parameters in fused deposition modelling of thermoplastics: A review

Among the several techniques for additive manufacturing (AM), fused deposition modelling (FDM) is widely used. Fused deposition modelling process uses a thermoplastic material, which is melted and then extruded layer by layer through a nozzle, in order to create a three-dimensional object. As a result of the default setting of process parameters provided by the manufacturers, produced parts normally have a poor surface finish, low mechanical properties, low dimensional accuracy, and increased residual stresses compared to the parts produced using conventional manufacturing processes like molding (casting). Qualities of fused deposition modelled (FDMed) parts are generally affected by process parameters including the layer thickness, extrusion temperature, build orientation, printing speed, raster angle, infill density, raster width, nozzle diameter, and air gap. Increasing infill density, printing temperature, and decreasing print speed and layer thickness lead to increase mechanical strength and improve the surface finish of the printed parts. The optimal process parameters are preferred to achieve superior properties of the parts. This paper reviews the optimal fused deposition modelling process parameters on part qualities for making the stability of used deposition modelled parts for use. Various process parameters are identified in order to obtain desirable qualities in the manufactured parts. Areas for future research are proposed.     

Exit morphology and mechanical property of FDM printed PLA: influence of hot melt extrusion process

In order to study the hot melt extrusion process in fused deposition modeling (FDM), this study mainly explores the effects of printing temperature, heated block length, feeding speed on the exit morphology and mechanical properties of FDM printed Polylactic acid (PLA) samples. High-speed camera is used to capture the exit morphology of molten PLA just extruded to the nozzle. According to exit morphology, the outlet states of extruded molten material can be divided into four categories, namely, bubbled state, coherent state, expanding state, and unstable state. Tensile test results show that printing temperature, heated block length and printing speed have significant influence on tensile properties and fracture mode of FDM printed samples. When the heated block length is 15 mm and 30 mm, there is a ductile-brittle transition in fracture mode with the increase of printing speed. The printing process window under different heated block lengths and printing temperatures has been figured out and the distribution of printing process window under different printing speeds has been discussed. There is a maximum printing process window under the heated block length of 30 mm. This finding provides a frame work for performance prediction of FDM printed parts and theoretical guidance for expanding the scope of printing process window. The full text can be downloaded at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40436-022-00405-1     

基于熔融沉积法的快速成形柔性丝材技术研究

目的研究柔性材料的熔融沉积(Fused Deposition Modeling,FDM)快速成形工艺。方法通过理论推导和实验研究的方法,针对柔性材料的FDM技术做了初步的探讨。结果柔性材料FDM工艺,相对于硬质材料来说,其进丝量需要更加精准的控制,进丝齿轮旋转角速度和打印速度、打印层厚呈正比关系,其比例系数取决于喷嘴直径、齿轮外径以及所使用丝材直径;同时,打印温度、打印层厚,尤其是首层打印间隙等工艺参数对于柔性打印制件的表观质量有更加重要的影响,这主要是因为熔融态柔性材料粘性较大所导致。结论现有硬质材料的FDM机器,需要作出适当的调整,才能更好地适应柔性材料打印。     

Mechanical properties of bio compatible functional prototypes for joining applications in clinical dentistry

In the presented research, work investigations have been made for mechanical properties of the functional prototypes prepared from biocompatible filament of fused deposition modelling (FDM), comprising of hydroxyapatite (HAp), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The functional prototypes will be used in clinical dentistry (mainly for joining application for job-type production activities). The filament has been prepared in house using twin screw extrusion process. For evaluation purpose, standard tensile specimens as per ASTM D-638 have been prepared on FDM. This study highlights the effect of three parameters of FDM (namely: infill percentage, layer thickness and speed of extrusion head) on the mechanical properties (namely: load at peak and load at break). The results of the study suggest that infill density has majorly contributed, 92% on load at peak and 89% for load at break, and deposition speed has very less contribution i.e., 1% towards the mechanical strength of the specimen. Further, the results are supported with thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), which ensures that the specimen prepared are thermally stable and can be put in for joining applications for job-type production activities in clinical dentistry.     

Direct Fused Deposition Modeling 4D Printing and Programming of Thermoresponsive Shape Memory Polymers with Autonomous 2D-to-3D Shape Transformations

Herein, direct 4D printing of thermoresponsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) by the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method that enables programing of 2D objects during printing for autonomous 2D-to-3D shape transformations via simply heating is focused on. The programming process during printing is investigated through designs and experiments. The capability of programming SMPs during printing is illustrated by prestrain and bending capabilities, which are highly related to printing settings, such as nozzle temperature, print speed, layer height, infill patterns, and ratio of active parts in a bilayer structure. A nearly linear relationship for prestrain and bending parameters is experimentally revealed for different printing factors. Quantitative results are presented to be used as a guidance for designing complex 3D structures via 4D printing of 2D structures. Helix structure, twisting structure, DNA-like structures, and functional gripper are designed to demonstrate the potential of direct FDM 4D printing for creating complex 3D structures from simple 2D structures with advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. It is shown that, by removing the need for a layer-by-layer stacking process to achieve a complex 3D shape, FDM can promote sustainability via 4D printing of autonomous 2D-to-3D shape transformer structures with lower materials, time, energy, and longer service life.     

Fused deposition modelling using direct extrusion

In the present work, a process based on the principle of polymer extrusion is developed: the extruder deposition process (EDP). This system uses a screw extruder to deposit the material on a computer-controlled positioning system to build components. Experiments (Box–Behnken technique is used for experimental design) are carried out to study the influence of three process variables: nozzle temperature, chamber temperature and road gap on bond strength (inter-road and interlayer) and surface finish. Surface roughness and ultimate tensile strength values are measured for test specimens. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the significance of process variables. It is concluded that the developed EDP eliminates many of the shortcomings of the systems developed based on the principles of extrusion and produces components having higher bond strength than that achieved in commercial fused deposition modelling (FDM) systems.     

Melt flow behaviour of poly-ε-caprolactone in fused deposition modelling

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an extrusion based Rapid prototyping (RP) technique which can be used to fabricate tissue engineering scaffolds. The present work focuses on the study of the melt flow behaviour (MFB) of Poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) as a representative biomaterial, on the FDM. The MFB significantly affects the quality of the scaffold which depends not only on the pressure gradient, its velocity, and the temperature gradients but also physical properties like the melt temperature and rheology. The MFB is studied using two methods: mathematical modelling and finite element analysis (FEA) using Ansys(R). The MFB is studied using accurate channel geometry by varying filament velocity at the entry and by varying nozzle diameters and angles at the exit. The comparative results of both mathematical modelling and FEA suggest that the pressure drop and the velocities of the melt flow depend on the flow channel parameters. One inference of particular interest is the temperature gradient of the PCL melt, which shows that it liquefies within 35% of the channel length. These results are invaluable to better understand the MFB of biomaterials that affects the quality of the scaffold built via FDM and can also be used to predict the MFB of other biomaterials.     

Fused deposition modelling using direct extrusion

In the present work, a process based on the principle of polymer extrusion is developed: the extruder deposition process (EDP). This system uses a screw extruder to deposit the material on a computer-controlled positioning system to build components. Experiments (Box-Behnken technique is used for experimental design) are carried out to study the influence of three process variables: nozzle temperature, chamber temperature and road gap on bond strength (inter-road and interlayer) and surface finish. Surface roughness and ultimate tensile strength values are measured for test specimens. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the significance of process variables. It is concluded that the developed EDP eliminates many of the shortcomings of the systems developed based on the principles of extrusion and produces components having higher bond strength than that achieved in commercial fused deposition modelling (FDM) systems.     

Fused deposition modeling with polypropylene

This paper addresses the potential of polypropylene (PP) as a candidate for fused deposition modeling (FDM)-based 3D printing technique. The entire filament production chain is evaluated, starting with the PP pellets, filament production by extrusion and test samples printing. This strategy enables a true comparison between parts printed with parts manufactured by compression molding, using the same grade of raw material. Printed samples were mechanically characterized and the influence of filament orientation, layer thickness, infill degree and material was assessed. Regarding the latter, two grades of PP were evaluated: a glass-fiber reinforced and a neat, non-reinforced, one. The results showed the potential of the FDM to compete with conventional techniques, especially for the production of small series of parts/components; also, it was showed that this technique allows the production of parts with adequate mechanical performance and, therefore, does not need to be restricted to the production of mockups and prototypes.     

Fused deposition modelling with ABS–graphene nanocomposites

For the first time, graphene nanoplatelets (xGnP) were incorporated at 4 wt% in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) filaments obtained by a solvent-free process consisting of melt compounding and extrusion. Nanocomposite filaments were then used to feed a fused deposition modelling (FDM) machine to obtain specimens with various build orientations. The elastic modulus and dynamic storage moduli of 3D printed parts along three different build orientations were increased by the presence of xGnP in the ABS matrix. At the same time, a decrease in both stress and strain at break was observed when xGnP is added to ABS. Moreover, a higher thermal stability was induced on 3D printed parts by xGnP, as indicated by a reduction in both coefficient of linear thermal expansion and creep compliance. A comparison between 3D printed and compression moulded parts highlighted the importance of the orientation effects induced by the fused deposition modelling process.     

Modelling and estimation of tensile behaviour of polylactic acid parts manufactured by fused deposition modelling using finite element analysis and knowledge-based library

With the rise of the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) industry, a better understanding of the relationship between FDM process parameters and mechanical behaviour —especially tensile behaviour —of designed parts is needed to enable development of industry specifications. To optimise and control the deposition process, modelling and predicting the mechanical behaviour of a manufactured part under various process parameters is required. Existing numerical modelling approaches either require input of extensive experimental data or lack cross-validation. In this paper, the mechanical behaviour of polylactic acid manufactured parts under tensile conditions was studied both experimentally and numerically, and the effects of printing pattern and infill density on ultimate tensile strength (UTS)-weight ratio and the modulus of elasticity were evaluated. The experimental results revealed that minimising air gaps and using a triangular infill pattern are beneficial for obtaining a good UTS/weight ratio. Of all the specimens considered, the 20% triangular pattern had the highest UTS/weight ratio. The numerical investigation revealed that the meso-structure approach described in this paper can be used to predict the modulus of elasticity and the breaking point, and does not require input from the unidirectional specimen stress-strain curves. Finally, the meso-structure numerical model and artificial neural network were used to construct a knowledge-based library that can predict the modulus of elasticity of FDM manufactured polylactic acid with three infill patterns and any infill density with an average prediction error of 14.80%.     

Parametric appraisal of mechanical property of fused deposition modelling processed parts

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a fast growing rapid prototyping (RP) technology due to its ability to build functional parts having complex geometrical shape in reasonable time period. The quality of built parts depends on many process variables. In this study, five important process parameters such as layer thickness, orientation, raster angle, raster width and air gap are considered. Their influence on three responses such as tensile, flexural and impact strength of test specimen is studied. Experiments are conducted based on central composite design (CCD) in order to reduce experimental runs. Empirical models relating response and process parameters are developed. The validity of the models is tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Response surface plots for each response is analysed and optimal parameter setting for each response is determined. The major reason for weak strength may be attributed to distortion within or between the layers. Finally, concept of desirability function is used for maximizing all responses simultaneously.     

Investigation on the effect of surface modification of 3D printed parts by nanoclay and dimethyl ketone

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) has emerged as one of the most utilized 3D printing technique. However, the surface properties of the FDM built parts lacks integrity due to layer by layer manufacturing technique. Therefore, post treatment is done on FDM printed parts. In the present research work, an effort has been made to improve the surface properties of the 3D printed parts by surface modification via chemical/nanoparticles. Nanoclay and dimethyl ketone were utilized for the surface modification of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene specimens. Parameters namely nanoclay content, immersion time, heat treatment and layer thickness were investigated to study their effect on surface roughness, surface hardness and dimensions. Also, the effect of nanoclay on UV absorbance of 3D printed parts was observed. Structural and morphological analysis was performed to characterize the surface of the 3D printed specimens after surface modification process. The results show that the surface roughness was reduced by 94.9%, surface hardness was increased by 9.7% while maintaining minimum dimensional deviation of ?0.03 and +0.07?mm. Also, UV absorbance was increased in 350–380?nm range. The results of the present study highlight the capability of the surface modification process for improving the surface properties of FDM parts.     

Combined effect of process variables on the plastic behaviour of 316L stainless steel printed by L-PBF

The metal additive manufacturing (AM) is a technology that is rapidly spreading in the industrial sector with its enormous potential in making components with complex shapes and low weight, ensuring a high structural strength. However, the mechanical properties of the components depend on the printing process, and the interactions between the process variables and the final material behaviour is still not totally understood. In this work, 12 different types of tensile specimen were built by AM using the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technique; the used material is the 316L stainless steel. The specimens have the same geometry and the same process parameters in terms of layer thickness, hatch space, laser power, spot diameter, scanning speed and platform preheating temperature, while different laser scan strategies and building orientations are evaluated. The scope is to characterize the plastic behaviour of such specimens and study the differences due to distinct printing strategies. Stereo digital image correlation (stereo-DIC) was used to evaluate the deformation state and analyse the material anisotropy. Finally, the microstructure and presence of defects were investigated through the optical microscopy (OM) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis shows how the plastic behaviour and the formation of defects are remarkably influenced by the laser scan strategy and by the building orientation.     

挤出方式对黏弹性浆料3D打印出料可控性的影响EI北大核心CSCD

基于挤出工艺的陶瓷3D打印技术应用过程中,不同挤出方式对出料速率可控性存在重要影响,从而导致打印样件在表面质量及打印成功率方面存在明显差异。针对这一问题,研究选择柱塞和螺杆两种挤出方式,在Bingham黏弹性流体浆料及0.6 mm喷嘴直径的基本条件下,结合现场实验数据和模拟仿真得出的出料速率变化曲线,对柱塞与螺杆两种挤出方式的3D打印效果进行对比分析。结果表明:螺杆挤出方式在0.03 s内,出料速率已降至原始出料速率的30%以下,而柱塞挤出方式达到该出料速率所需的时间为2.4 s,在停止供料的0.27 s内柱塞挤出方式的出料量是螺杆挤出方式出料量的3倍。通过流场分析发现黏弹性浆料条件下两种挤出装置的驱动原理不同是造成该差异的主要原因。     

Investigations on the Deposition and the Efficiency of a Multilayer High Temperature Coating System for Gas Turbine Blades

The content of this work is the development and investigation of a high temperature coating system for gas turbine blades. On a single crystal CMSX4 substrate a thin CVD layer of α‐alumina is deposited as diffusion barrier coating. As a protection against high‐temperature corrosion it is covered with a PVD NiCoCrAlY layer, which also performs as a bond‐coating for the following thermal barrier coating deposited by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying. The surface preparation techniques and coating parameters for the multilayer coating were optimized with respect to the bonding mechanisms of the different deposition techniques. The samples were annealed at 1100°C for 100 h under neutral atmosphere. Furthermore thermocycle experiments were carried out to investigate thermocycle behaviour. The coating system proved its efficiency: No cracks were observed except vertical segmentation cracks in the TBC, all layers showed good adhesion and the diffusion barrier remained intact suppressing any noticeable diffusion of Al, Cr, Ta, Re, W and Ti.     

阵列双模式喷印平台的数控系统设计

目的为了使喷印设备趋向高密度、高精度、立体化,研究并设计喷印平台的数字系统控制。方法采用矢量控制、自动控制和数控系统方法,以FPGA实现主控模块,配合DSP的定位圆图像采集及参数提取,并采用CNC和CCD等技术进行实时定位,整体操纵交错排列、斜装组合的喷头,喷头有平移、旋转运动控制和图像识别辅助控制,又有喷墨头的温度、流量等过程控制。结果实现阵列双模式喷印平台的数字控制,可在基材上方高速并列喷印。对多排喷嘴的数据进行处理及分配,实现实时喷射控制、装置控制逻辑与状态管理,多排喷嘴收发一次数据,能喷印一行完整的像素点矩阵,并能根据平台的偏移量,精确调整喷印图线,重新设定控制程序可改变布线。结论设计的平台能简化传统工艺流程,解决了内部传输速度的瓶颈问题,不需要为新产品的每一次改动而制作网版。     

Thermo-mechanical analysis of Wire and Arc Additive Layer Manufacturing process on large multi-layer parts

Wire and Arc Additive Layer Manufacturing (WAALM) is gaining increasing popularity as the process allows the production of large custom-made metal workpieces with high deposition rates. The high power input of the welding process, causes significant residual stress and distortion of the workpiece. This paper describes the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the multi-layer wall structure made by the WAALM process. A 3D thermo-elastic–plastic transient model and a model based on an advanced steady-state thermal analysis are employed in this study. This modelling approach shows a significant advantage with respect to the computational time. The temperature simulations and distortion predictions are verified by comparing with the experimental results from thermo-couples and laser scanners, while the residual stresses are verified with the neutron diffraction strain scanner ENGIN-X. The stress across the deposited wall is found uniform with very little influence of the preceding layers on the following layers. The stress redistributed after unclamping with a much lower value at the top of the wall than at the interface due to the bending distortion of the sample.     

Process-induced degradation of bioresorbable PDLGA in bone tissue scaffold production

Process-induced degradation of clinically relevant resorbable polymers was investigated for two thermal techniques, filament extrusion followed by fused deposition modelling (FDM). The aim was to develop a clear understanding of the relationship between temperature, processing time and resultant process-induced degradation. This acts to address the current knowledge gap in studies involving thermal processing of resorbable polymers. Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PDLGA) was chosen for its clinically relevant resorption properties. Furthermore, a comparative study of controlled thermal exposure was conducted through compression moulding PDLGA at a selected range of temperatures (150–225?°C) and times (0.5–20?min). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were used to characterise thermally induced degradation behaviour. DSC proved insensitive to degradation effects, whereas GPC demonstrated distinct reductions in molecular weight allowing for the quantification of degradation. A near-exponential pattern of degradation was identified. Through the application of statistical chain scission equations, a predictive plot of theoretical degradation was created. Thermal degradation was found to have a significant effect on the molecular weight with a reduction of up to 96% experienced in the controlled processing study. The proposed empirical model may assist prediction of changes in molecular weight, however, accuracy limitations are highlighted for twin-screw extrusion, accredited to high-shear mixing. The results from this study highlight the process sensitivity of PDLGA and proposes a methodology for quantification and prediction, which contributes to efforts in understanding the influence of manufacture on performance of degradable medical implants.     

基于激光选区熔化成形Ni-Cu合金模板的Ni-Cu-石墨烯复合材料的制备

采用优化的SLM成形参数,用激光选区熔化(SLM)增材制造技术制备了三维Ni-Cu合金.使用三维Ni-Cu合金基底材料用化学气相沉积法(CVD)制备Ni-Cu合金/石墨烯复合材料,研究了 CVD法生长反应温度对石墨烯结构的影响并分析其原因.结果表明,石墨烯层的厚度随着反应温度的提高而减小.与未生长石墨烯的样品相比,在1...