A Review and Reflection on Part Quality Improvement of Fused Deposition Modelled Parts

Abstract

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is an extrusion based additive manufacturing process which fabricates the part by extruding semi-molten thermoplastic material through a small nozzle in a machine plateform. The material is deposited layer over layer and the part is fabricated following the bottom up approach. The process can built any complex part geometry in very less time without any tooling problem. Despite of having numerous advantages, fused deposition modelled part’s performance is poorer when measured in terms of part qualities like dimensional accuracy, surface roughness and mechanical strength. Considering the domestic and industrial usage of FDM technology various researchers have contributed their effort in improvement of these part qualities prior to its application. The present study is headed towards reviewing their efforts and reflecting the techniques used for optimization of FDM part qualities.