Optimization of 3D Printing Process Parameters and Their Influence on Part Characteristic

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has a major advantage among all 3D printing methods because it can manufacture different parts with complex structures without any human interaction and tooling necessity. The process parameters of 3D printing have a notable effect on 3D printed parts because these parameters influence production efficiency and part characteristics. In this study, optimization of the 3D printing process parameter has been performed using a Taguchi array under the Design of Experiment (DOE). Eight printing process parameters namely infill density, infill pattern, fan speed, layer thickness, print speed, infill overlap, nozzle temperature, and wall line count have been chosen with three levels for the study of tensile strength. As per the standard of ASTM D638-14 type 1, the test specimens have been designed and 3D printed in DAMBoy ET-450D FDM printer using Polylactic Acid (PLA) material. Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of process parameters for maximizing tensile strength. This study uses the Taguchi method and ANOVA analysis under DOE to conduct the single objective optimization of process parameters.