Prediction of tensile strength in FDM printed ABS parts using response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is used for highly complex structures that can be stable and extremely light weight. AM also enables a design-driven manufacturing process where production is determined by design. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the mainly used AM technique. It is more easily accessible technique than others and also has advantages like less time consuming, usage with broad range of materials and lower costs. It is also referred to as 3D printing in which objects are produced layer by layer from a CAD model by depositing a thermoplastic filament. Mechanical properties like tensile strength and hardness plays a vital impact when various process parameters are varied on printed parts for different application. Experimental investigation on the FDM printed parts using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material has been carried out by varying the three process parameters namely Infill density, Infill pattern and Layer thickness. Tensile strength and hardness are utilized as response parameters. Experiments are considered by means of central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The optimization has been carried out by desirability analysis. The study reveals that that infill density and layer thickness is most significant factor.