Assessing the Effect of Process Variables for Fusion Level of Two Neighbour Tracks Generated by Fused Deposition Modelling of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Abstract

This chapter investigate the effects of different process parameters on the degree of fusion of two adjacent tracks produced by fused deposition modelling of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Fused filament fabrication, commonly indicated with the commercial name fused deposition modelling (FDM), is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology used to print parts that are often characterized by geometrically complex shapes. The current study assesses the fusion of two adjacent tracks when printed using different key process parameters (layer thickness, infill density, printing speed, air gap, and extrusion temperature). It is expected that viscosity and the surface tension will significantly influence the degree of fusion of two adjacent double tracks, but investigation of this phenomenon falls outside the scope of the present study. After fusing and cooling, the degree of fusion of the printed neighboring double track sections was determined by dividing their diameter (d) by the height (h) of the neck after fusion, using a scanning electron microscope to study the components. It was concluded that the highest degree of fusion of two adjacent tracks of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material was obtained at 0.25 mm, 40 mm/s, -0.10 mm, and 255  layer thickness, printing speed, air gap, and extrusion temperature, respectively.