Optimization of Design Process of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D Printing

Abstract

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is one of the most common Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies for thermoplastic materials. PLA, ABS, and nylon have generally been used for prototype development. With the development of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) filament for FFF, AM parts with improved strength and functionality can be realized. While mechanical properties of various CFRP have been well studied, design methodology for structural optimization of CFRP parts remains an active research area. In this paper, a systematic optimization of design process of FFF 3D printing methodology is proposed for CFRP. Starting with standard coupon specimen tests including tensile, bending, and creep tests to obtain mechanical properties of CFRP. Finite element analyses (FEA) are conducted to find principal directions of the AM part and computed principal directions are utilized as fiber orientations. Then, the connecting lines of principal directions are used to develop a customized tool-path in FFF 3D printing to extrude fibers aligned with principal directions. Since currently available infill-patterns in 3D printing cannot precisely draw customized lines, a specific tool-path algorithm has been developed to distribute fibers with the desired orientations. To predict/assess mechanical behavior of the AM part, 3D printing process was simulated followed by FEA to obtain the anisotropic structural behavior induced by the customized tool-path. To demonstrate the design/manufacturing methodology, spur gears of a ball milling machine were selected as a case study and carbon fiber reinforced nylon filament was chosen as the AM materials. Relevant compression tests were conducted to assess their performance compared with those printed at regular tool-path patterns. Preliminary results show that CFRP gear printed by customized tool-path has about 8% higher stiffness than those printed by regular patterns. Also, flow distribution of printed fibers was verified using scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM images showed that approximately 91% of fibers were oriented as intended. In summary, assisted by FEA, a customized 3D printing tool-path for CFRP has been developed with a case study to verify the proposed AM design methodology.