Characterization of fused deposition modeling components fabricated at different print orientations

Abstract

The quality of the components fabricated using fusion deposition modelling (FDM) can be tailored by the proper selection of process parameters values. Print orientation is a key process parameter in FDM which has a strong influence on defect formation and thereby mechanical properties of the components. To address the influence of print orientation, FDM of Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) samples were fabricated and tested. The samples were fabricated using different print orientations namely 0°, 45°, 90° and combination of 45° and 135° alternatively. From the investigation, it was inferred that the print orientation is crucial in deciding the part properties attributing towards the load bearing capacity of print seams. The print orientation of 90° exhibit higher strength by exhibiting peak load values of 942 N and higher elongation of 128 mm. The elongation capability is more than 40 times higher than the 0°, 45°, and 45°/135° orientations which is attributed to the availability of continuous and longer print seam that supports load bearing and elongation.