Title: Identifying limitations for design for manufacturing with desktop FFF 3D printers

Authors: Miguel Fernandez-Vicente; Miquel Canyada; Andres Conejero

Addresses: Instituto de Diseño y Fabricación, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, C.P. 46022 Valencia, Spain ' Instituto de Diseño y Fabricación, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, C.P. 46022 Valencia, Spain ' Instituto de Diseño y Fabricación, Universitat Politècnica de València, Cno. de Vera s/n, C.P. 46022 Valencia, Spain

Abstract: Desktop 3D printing is becoming a popular technology in which the most widely used fabrication process is the 'Fused Filament Fabrication' or FFF because of its very easy access. Nevertheless, this technology has some restrictions, as for instance the way in which designs are printed, being this factor crucial in order to obtain good result. In this regard, the present study is aimed to determine the constraints associated with the generation of geometries as angles, overhangs and bridges. The results obtained show a strong influence of the thickness in the correct printing of the features, and the geometry of the part in the case of angles.

Keywords: FFF; fused filament fabrication; FDM; fused deposition modelling; DFAM; design for additive manufacturing; design for 3D printing; design for manufacturing; DFM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2015.073551

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2015 Vol.5 No.1, pp.116 - 128

Received: 07 Sep 2015
Accepted: 10 Nov 2015
Published online: 11 Dec 2015 *

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