Design of Printing Parameter Settings Methodology for FFF Printing of Waterproof Samples from a Flexible Material

Abstract

3D printing technology plays a key role in the design of prototypes and final parts. The ability to quickly and easily produce almost any shape using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) method is used in almost every industrial sector, science and research. Materials for the FFF method can be divided into two groups, namely rigid and flexible. Flexible materials, in combination with pneumatics or hydraulics, offer a wide range of applications. However, in the FFF method, where individual fibers are stacked on each other and side by side, the question arises of whether the fibers will bond sufficiently to prevent water or air from passing through. This paper aims to design a methodology for the printing parameters of an FFF printer when printing from flexible materials to ensure that the filaments bond sufficiently for the printed part's water and air tightness. The proposed methodology is verified on printed samples by two tests, namely waterproof and airtightness tests. Two of the most commonly used highly flexible materials, namely TPU 30D and TPE 88, were selected for testing. The results of the work are intended to help the designers and technologists to calibrate the printing parameters for the printing of flexible materials for use in pneumatics or hydraulics.