Optimization of process parameters in fused filament fabrication (FFF) utilizing poly lactic acid (PLA)

Abstract

This research was to find an optimum parameter in Fused Deposition Modelling, FDM. They are various type of printing parameter in 3D printing. The parameter that was focused on in this research are orientation, print head and layer thickness while other parameters will be fixed. This parameter was evaluated the mechanical properties of the printed parts. The mechanical properties will be performed on the specimen are tensile test and 3 point-bending tests. The data were analyzed using Taguchi’s Method with orthogonal array of 9 level and Analysis of Variance, ANOVA. The highest of ultimate tensile strength was 34 MPa where the parameter were 34.592 MPa. The highest of flexural strength was 95.542 MPa. The optimum parameter for the tensile test was 25-degree of orientation, 0.4 mm of print head and 0.2 for layer thickness. The optimum parameter for 3-point-bending test was 0-degree of orientation, 0.4 mm of print head and 0.15 mm of layer thickness. This parameter did the mechanical test again for the validation test. The average ultimate tensile strength value for 25-degree of orientation, 0.4 mm of print head and 0.2 for layer thickness was 30.558 MPa. While the average of flexural strength for 0-degree of orientation, 0.4 mm of print head and 0.15 mm of layer thickness was 95.557 MPa.