Optimisation of extrusion process parameters to make ABS-PC filament for 3D printing using Taguchi-GRA technique

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper attempts to optimise the single screw extrusion (SSE) process parameters for extruding Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC) blend filament, having improved tensile strength and melt flow rate. The melt flow and mechanical properties of ABS-PC blend filament are highly reliant on the SSE process parameters. Thus, optimising the process parameters to fabricate the blend filaments with high performance has become essential. Grey relational analysis has been integrated with the Taguchi method to optimise the SSE process parameters by evaluating the grey relational grades in terms of the performance index. Experimentation has been carried out according to Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array (OA), which has been designed considering three SSE process parameters, i.e. screw rotation, blend composition and chamber temperature. The co-continuous structure and compatibility between the phases of the blend obtained at ABS:PC 50:50 by wt%. Micrographs and thermographs support the results. The tensile strength of the 3D printed ABS:PC 50:50 by wt.% composite specimen has improved by 38.02% as compared to virgin ABS.