The influence of the raster angle on the dimensional accuracy of FDM-printed PLA, PETG, and ABS tensile specimens

Abstract

3D printing is a rapidly advancing method in digital manufacturing techniques and produces objects in layers. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology where the material is melted in a hot nozzle and then placed on a build platform to create a prototype layer by layer. In this study, the effects of different raster angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 45°/-45°, 0°/90°) on dimensional accuracy for PLA, PETG and ABS materials produced using FDM were investigated. The results show that PETG generally shows higher dimensional deviations compared to PLA and ABS, and samples with a scan angle of 90° generally have lower deviation percentages than other angles. Width deviations (approximately 1.5% on average) were lower than thickness deviations (approximately 9.5% on average). Analysis of the cross-sectional areas shows that all samples are above the theoretical area (41.6 mm2). PETG samples with a scan angle of 45°/-45° exhibit the largest cross-sectional area (46.78 mm2), while ABS samples with a scan angle of 90° exhibit the smallest (45.46 mm2). This study is important to understand the impact of material selection and raster angle on dimensional accuracy, and it is recommended to account for cross-sectional deviations and calculate the stress based on the actual cross-sectional area to achieve more accurate results in applications requiring precise measurements. These data offer valuable information for those interested in 3D printing and its professionals and can lead to further research in this field, so that printing techniques can be further developed and product quality can be improved.