Polishing mechanism for ABS parts fabricated by additive manufacturing

Abstract

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a process of fabricating three-dimensional physical models by layered manufacturing. However, the surface quality of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) built with FDM technologies is not acceptable and is not satisfactory for most general engineering purposes. In this study, a polishing system was demonstrated to enhance surface finish of ABS parts fabricated by FDM. Polishing mechanism for ABS parts was investigated. The features of this system include high polishing efficiency, no waste chemicals, ease of operation, with excellent dimensional accuracy, and low equipment costs. Improving surface roughness of ABS parts by the use of acetone vapor not only has required dimensional accuracy but also has high process stability. A great reduction in average surface roughness for ABS parts about 98% was obtained. The polishing mechanisms for ABS parts fabricated by additive manufacturing were investigated in this study.