Effect of Process Parameters on Mechanical Performances of 3D-Printed ABS Parts

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the earliest methods in additive manufacturing (AM) history. Due to the affordable printing method, it is one of the most popular AM techniques worldwide for processing polymers and their composites mainly. FDM is an extrusion-based AM technique through which a component is fabricated layer-by-layer deposition of molten material. However, choosing the best process parameters during printing is essential to make parts with the best qualities. The paper has considered response surface methodology (RSM) for randomizing the process parameters, such as layer thickness, orientation angle, infill density, and infill angle to figure out their effect on the mechanical properties of FDM-printed ABS parts. Optimum tensile results are found at the lowest layer thickness = 0.12 mm, orientation angle = 0°, and highest infill angle (70°). Yet to achieve higher tensile performances, infill density depends on layer thickness. For minimum surface roughness, layer thickness, orientation angle, and infill density should be as low as possible. Microstructural characteristics have been analyzed at the end.