Fused Deposition Modeling Strategies for Quality Enhancement

Abstract

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is one of the most progressive and advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods for the modern industry. The method has proven its suitability as a rapid prototyping technique and for the production of intricate functional components. However, the process faces two major limitations; poor surface quality and limited range of materials as it is mostly applicable to polymer-based raw materials. There are therefore extensive efforts by the AM researchers to enhance the quality of FDM parts and expand its application in different fields. This book contributes to these continued efforts by presenting different strategies for quality enhancement of the technology. In the book, the terms FDM and 3D printing have been used interchangeably and they have the same meaning. The book is presented in four chapters. In Chap. 1, a general introduction to the fused deposition modelling is presented. A glimpse into different methods of AM technology, science of FDM and its applications, process parameters and quality aspects of FDM technology are presented in this chapter. Most importantly, the role of 3D printing in the fight against Coronavirus disease of 2019 is discussed in Chap. 1. In Chap. 2, a full factorial approach for the design of experiment (DOE) based on different levels of print orientation and layer resolution during FDM of PLA simple samples is presented as a strategy for enhancing both surface finish and microhardness properties. In Chap. 3, a multi-objective optimization approach is presented as another strategy for quality enhancement of FDM parts using case studies both from the literature and the experimental work by the authors. Finally, surface engineering technology is presented as a strategy for enhancing the surface and functional quality of the FDM parts in Chap. 4. All the borrowed information such as methods, data and figures have been acknowledged accordingly inside the text. It is the hope of the authors that the book will, holistically, contribute towards expanding applications of fused deposition modelling parts. The book is suitable for engineers, researchers, academics and industrialists in the 3D printing field. v We acknowledge Springer for accepting to publish this work and the professional support they have accorded to us in the course of developing the idea and writing of the manuscript. Nairobi, Kenya Fredrick Madaraka Mwema Johannesburg, South Africa Esther Titilayo Akinlabi