Prediction of machine learning-based hardness for the polycarbonate using additive manufacturing

Introduction Additive manufacturing (AM) is a revolutionary technology transforming traditional production processes by providing exceptional mechanical characteristics. Methods The present study aims explicitly to predict the hardness of Polycarbonate (PC) parts produced using AM. The objectives of this study are: (1) To investigate the process parameters that impact the ability to estimate the hardness of PC materials accurately, and (2) To develop a best-performing ML model from a range of models that can reliably predict the hardness of additively manufactured PC parts. Initially, fused filament fabrication (FFF), the most affordable AM technique, was used for the manufacturing of parts. Four process parameters, infill density, print direction, raster angle, and layer thickness, are selected for investigation. A heatmap is generated to obtain the influence of process parameters on hardness. Then, machine learning (ML) techniques create a range of predictive models that can predict hardness value considering the level of process parameters. Results The developed ML models include Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, K-nearest neighbor, Support Vector Regression, AdaBoost, and Artificial Neural Network. Further, an investigation has been done that includes choosing and improving ML algorithms and assessing the models’ performance. Discussion Prediction plots, residual plots, and evaluation metrics plots are prepared to gauge the performance of the developed models. Thus, the research enhances AM capabilities by applying predictive modeling to process parameters and improving the quality and reliability of fabricated components.