Title: A robust process optimisation for fused deposition modelling

Authors: Y. Ravi Kumar, C.S.P. Rao, T.A. Janardhan Reddy

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal – 506 004, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal – 506 004, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad – 500 007, India

Abstract: Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology is being widely used in diverse areas including mould manufacturing. However, the quality of RP parts is significantly affected by the process parameters of the RP machine. This work presents an experimental design technique for determining the optimal quality of a part build by the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process with ABS plastic material. The design investigates (L9 Taguchi array) the effect of the parameters, contour width, raster width, raster angle and air gap on the dimensional accuracy, form features and surface finish. The experimental results are analysed by using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method.

Keywords: rapid prototyping; RP; FDM; ABS plastic; Taguchi methods; ANOVA; process optimisation; fused deposition modelling; process parameters; experimental design; contour width; raster width; raster angle; air gap; dimensional accuracy; form features; surface finish.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2008.017497

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2008 Vol.14 No.1/2, pp.228 - 245

Published online: 12 Mar 2008 *

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