Analysis of Dimensional Accuracy of ABS M30 Built Parts Using FDM Process

Fused filament fabrication, well known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is a rapid prototyping method that employs thermoplastic filaments in a semi-molten state. These filaments are pushed out from the nozzle’s orifice for fabricating the required components. Henceforth, it is essential to comprehend the governing factors that influence the quality of FDM products. In this context, the FDM process parameters have been tuned, and an attempt is made to analyze the enhancement in dimensional accuracy of components made by the fused filament fabrication technique. Raster angle, orientation, layer thickness, and the number of contours are considered as process variables. The components are made up of ABSM30 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), and their dimensional accuracy has been impacted by aforesaid variables and interactions between them. Response surface methodology (RSM) is employed in consideration of enhancing the dimensional accuracy. The results reveal that the aforesaid variables and interaction between them govern the dimensions of the build parts in a diverse direction. This dimensional inaccuracy is caused because of the shrinkage of semi-molten thermoplastic, which leaves the nozzle. Here, the dimensional inaccuracy has been analyzed in terms of volumetric deviation.