Modelization and structural analysis of FDM parts

Abstract

Get prototypes from technologies of Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a very important step for the development of new products. In some cases, these prototypes have mechanical properties lower than the final product, which prevents the designers to use all of the potential that these technologies can provide. In this study the RP technology known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) was used to manufacture samples used in tests, in where the orientation of deposition wires in layers were varying depending on manufacturing placement. Mechanical tests were performed to verify the stiffness of the final pieces obtained. The Classical Theory of Laminates (TCL) will be used to predict the mechanical behavior of the parts in different orientations of manufacturing. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the influence of the strategies in the deposition of construction material on the mechanical properties of parts obtained by the FDM and analyzes manufacturing factors for a future generation of a finite elements analytic model that could be used to obtain the structural behavior of parts made by rapid prototyping with FDM technology.