Experimental investigation and optimization of the FDM process using PLA

Abstract

The 3D model of the PLA (Polylatic acid) fabricated specimens were developed using solid works and were manufactured by Fused Deposition Modelling process which is one of the Additive Manufacturing processes. The current research work discusses the consequence of three process variables such as layer thickness, infill percentage, and print speed and their effect on the hardness and strength of PLA fabricated specimens. For each process variable, three levels were taken to decrease the number of experiments. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array has been considered and the obtained results were analysed by the analysis of variance method optimization techniques. The present research work states that the layer thickness and infill percent have a foremost influence on the mechanical properties of FDM structures. The functional relationship between process of factors and the mechanical properties of the component have been discussed in the present study. The present analysis discusses the results to increase the strength of a fabricated part with the help of FDM technology.