Investigating the influence of infill percentage on the mechanical properties of fused deposition modelled ABS parts

Kenny Álvarez,Miguel Aizpun,Rodrigo F. Lagos

doi:10.15446/ing.investig.v36n3.56610

Kenny Álvarez, Miguel Aizpun + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.15446/ing.investig.v36n3.56610

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Abstract

3D printing is a manufacturing process that is usually used for modeling and prototyping. One of the most popular printing techniques is fused deposition modeling (FDM), which is based on adding melted material layer by layer. Although FDM has several advantages with respect to other manufacturing materials, there are several problems that have to be faced. When setting the printing options, several parameters have to be taken into account, such as temperature, speed, infill percentage, etc. Selecting these parameters is often a great challenge for the user, and is generally solved by experience without considering the influence of variations in the parameters on the mechanical properties of the printed parts.This article analyzes the influence of the infill percentage on the mechanical properties of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) printed parts. In order to characterize this influence, test specimens for tensile strength and Charpy tests were printed with a Makerbot Replicator 2X printer, in which the infill percentage was varied but the rest of the printing parameters were kept constant. Three different results were analyzed for these tests: tensile strength, impact resistance, and effective printing time. Results showed that the maximum tensile force (1438N) and tensile stress (34,57MPa) were obtained by using 100% infill. The maximum impact resistance, 1,55J, was also obtained with 100% infill. In terms of effective printing time, results showed that printing with an infill range between 50% and 98% is not recommended, since the effective printing time is higher than with a 100% infill and the tensile strength and impact resistance are smaller. In addition, in comparing the results of our analysis with results from other authors, it can be concluded that the printer type and plastic roll significantly influence the mechanical properties of ABS parts.

Highlights

Introduction3D printing was developed more than two decades ago, its potential has been exploited in only the last 5-10 years
These advantages have led to widespread dissemination of this technique among designers, scientists, engineers, and students due to its wide application range. 3D printing was developed more than two decades ago, its potential has been exploited in only the last 5-10 years
This boom was possible because of the great advances made in the hardware, software and materials fields, which significantly reduced acquisition costs, which start at 700 US dollars (USD) and go up to 10 000 USD

Summary

Introduction

3D printing was developed more than two decades ago, its potential has been exploited in only the last 5-10 years. This boom was possible because of the great advances made in the hardware, software and materials fields, which significantly reduced acquisition costs, which start at 700 US dollars (USD) and go up to 10 000 USD. Thanks to the popularity of 3D printing, it is being analyzed by economists, who predicted that in 2015 this market generated around 3,8 billion USD (Credit Suisse, 2013), and that by 2021 it will rise to 10,8 billion USD, meaning that in only 6 years there will be an increase of 184 %.

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