*Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) provides opportunities for new development in numerous areas. Z-directional anisotropic strength caused by weak inter-layer bonding has been recognized as the reason for limited industry adoption of FDM. This paper aims to investigate increasing the Z-directional strength of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) using a temperature controlled print environment. The ambient temperature during printing was increased to reduce heat transfer from the print, thereby encouraging more polymer chain inter-diffusion between layers. Dogbone specimens were printed for ambient print temperatures between 24.8*°C *and 71.2*°C *and tensile tests were performed. A thermal camera was used to identify heat loss in the FDM process. Ultimate tensile strength was found to increase by a maximum of 104% compared to open enclosure printing. A stylus profiler and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare the quality of the inter-layer bonds, suggesting that additional polymer inter-diffusion occurred at hotter ambient temperatures. A weak positive relationship was found between ambient air temperature and inter-layer part strength. Further experimentation could provide scope to determine an ideal ambient print temperature that is likely to be dependent on print settings and the printer used.*


Temperature Control to Increase Inter-Layer Bonding Strength in Fused Deposition Modelling

Division / Sponsors: 
Design Engineering Division and Computers & Information In Engineering Division


Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IDETC-CIE/IDETC-CIE2020/volume/83907

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