Analysis of Low Cost 3D Printer Process Parameters and Their Influence on Manufacturing Functionality of Printed Parts

Additive Manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing or Rapid Prototyping (RP) is the additive production process that works by adding successive layers of material to create the desired three-dimensional model. There are several techniques that can be used in 3D printing, among them, Fusion and Deposition Modeling (FDM) stands out, as it is the most practical. Areas of application of AM can be more varied, reaching areas of great relevance and social impact such as engineering, medicine, among others. The major reason around of this technology is given by characteristics of speed of creation project and the quality of the final product when compared with the traditional means of production. In order to have the final quality always assured, it is necessary the parameters must be properly adjusted. In this study we investigated the influence of layer thickness and the mean orientation, mechanical tests were performed on a variety of samples, showing how the mechanical properties undergo large changes. It is possible to observe that the samples that obtained the best results were the highest layer thickness and the samples printed in the Z direction. Thus, it can be concluded that for the production of Scaffolds in polymeric biomaterials it is necessary to master each of the parameters involved in their production process, as well as to be able to control them.