Prediction of mechanical properties of fused filament fabricated structures via asymptotic homogenization

Abstract

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most commonly practiced additive manufacturing processes due to its low-cost nature. However, there are many challenges faced by fused filament fabrication process with the most prominent examples being ability to produce stronger parts, general understanding of mechanics going into the process, limited printing envelope and etc. One of these challenges is the ability to predict mechanical behavior of the printed parts under external loads which is crucial to any engineering design and is an obstacle for the FFF-made parts. This study reports the application of asymptotic homogenization as a tool for predicting the mechanical properties of fused filament fabricated thermoplastics with line infill, grid infill, and gyroid structures. Predicted properties are vertified using microstructural and experimental analysis.