A study of parametric calibration for low cost 3D printing: Seeking improvement in dimensional quality

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Jorge Lino (Author) FEUP; Leonardo Santana (Author) Other; Aurélio C. Sabino Netto (Author) Other

Journal

Title: MATERIALS & DESIGN

Vol. 135

Pages: 159-172

ISSN: 0261-3069

Publisher: Elsevier Science

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 14 Citations

Scopus - 30 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-0NF

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.09.020

Abstract (EN): Open source projects have helped extrusion-based Additive Manufacturing processes gain popularity in recent years. While they allow the design and development of low cost machines, one of the main difficulties users have found is the parametric calibration. A study was proposed to understand the best practices for the setup of "input parameters", since in the open software chain there are many available for setup. Through experimental design methods, the dimensional accuracy of a cubic structure was analysed by varying factors such as: slicing software, layer thickness, infill density, first layer, infill and perimeter speeds, as well as extrusion temperature and multiplier. A Prusa I3 Hephestos printer and a Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament were used, and the parts were evaluated with contact measurement, 3D scanning and mass measurement procedures. Statistical analysis showed that the dimensional accuracy of the components was mostly affected by the infill density and the extrusion multiplier. Both parameters highlight the influence of the slicing software on the planning and quality of the models. Instabilities in the amount and flow of material, characterized by excess deposition, were responsible for the distortions along the three fundamental directions of the cubes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14