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Micromechanical Models for FDM 3D-Printed Polymers: A Review.
Rowin J M Bol1, Branko Šavija1
1Microlab, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN Delft, The Netherlands.
Polymers
|January 17, 2024
Summary
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing creates anisotropic parts due to layer-by-layer deposition. Printing process parameters significantly influence microstructural heterogeneities and mechanical properties of FDM parts.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Manufacturing Technology
Background:
- Additive manufacturing (AM), particularly fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition modeling (FDM), is increasingly popular for 3D thermoplastic part production.
- The layer-by-layer nature of AM processes inherently introduces anisotropy and microstructural heterogeneities (e.g., voids, pores) in printed components.
- Understanding the impact of printing process parameters on these heterogeneities and subsequent mechanical properties is critical for FDM applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key printing process parameters affecting the micromechanical composition of FDM 3D-printed polymers.
- To attribute the influence of these parameters on the characteristic mechanical properties of the printed parts.
- To review current geometrical, numerical, and experimental analyses concerning FDM-printed parts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review identifying critical printing process parameters in FDM.
- Analysis of the relationship between identified parameters and microstructural features.
- Examination of the impact of these features on mechanical properties.
- Review of existing geometrical, numerical, and experimental analysis techniques for FDM parts.
Main Results:
- Specific printing process parameters were identified as major contributors to microstructural heterogeneities in FDM parts.
- These heterogeneities, influenced by process parameters, negatively affect the mechanical properties of 3D-printed components.
- The review synthesizes current knowledge on analyzing FDM parts through geometrical, numerical, and experimental approaches.
Conclusions:
- Printing process parameters are crucial determinants of microstructural composition and mechanical performance in FDM 3D-printed parts.
- Further research integrating microstructural modeling with geometrical, numerical, and experimental analyses is needed.
- Optimizing printing parameters is essential for mitigating anisotropy and enhancing the mechanical integrity of FDM components.
