Influence of path generation strategy on tensile properties of FDM prototypes

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a study evaluating the influence of path generation strategy of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) prototypes on mechanical properties of material. Several scientific studies were researching the problematic of path generation and internal structure of FDM prototypes. Mostly the influence on mechanical properties was observed. The presented study focuses on assessment of mechanical property of part fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology in uniaxial tensile test. In this study standardized uniaxial tensile test (STN ISO 527-2) was used to determine tensile properties of specimens from ULTEM 9085. As the relation between mechanical property and process parameters is difficult to establish, attempt has been made to derive the empirical model between the processing parameters and mechanical properties using statistical methods. One of the parameter in path generation was the positive air-gap between fibres in internal raster. In actual practice, the parts are subjected to various types of loadings. Result show that proper model orientation when the orientation of load is known, can help to reduce the build time and material consumption.