Structural and Dimensional Analysis by Computed Tomography of a Multi Geometric Template Manufactured by Fused...

Area of Science:

• Additive Manufacturing (AM)
• Materials Science
• Manufacturing Engineering

Background:

• Additive Manufacturing (AM) optimization strategies are crucial for reducing production time.
• Path pattern modifications in AM impact component dimensional accuracy and structural integrity.
• Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a widely used AM technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of optimized path patterns in FFF on dimensional precision and structural quality.
• To assess the trade-offs between reduced manufacturing time and component integrity.
• To investigate the use of computed tomography for quality assessment in FFF.

Main Methods:

• Utilized genetic algorithms (GAs) for path pattern optimization in FFF.
• Printed a multi-geometric component template with 23 elements using PLA.
• Employed computed tomography (CT) to analyze dimensional accuracy and structural composition.
• Compared optimized path patterns against standard methods.

Main Results:

• Achieved an 11% reduction in total printing time.
• Identified specific effects of path optimization on the dimensional precision of various geometric elements.
• Confirmed that structural quality was maintained despite path modifications.

Conclusions:

• Optimized path patterns in FFF offer significant time savings.
• Dimensional precision can be managed effectively with path optimization.
• Structural integrity is not negatively impacted by optimized path strategies in FFF.