Finite Element Analysis of Leaf Spring Fabricated Via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

An introduction to fused deposition modeling, or 3D printing technology, will be given in this chapter. The basic idea of additive manufacturing and its underlying scientific theory will be presented at the outset of this chapter as a novel and emerging industrial technology. The parameters used to predict the melt deposition of polymers and their basic interactions with the structural component qualities will also be covered in this chapter. The chapter will provide a brief description of the quality features of FDM products concerning the process parameters. The additive manufacturing process will involve layering material to produce three-dimensional (3D) parts using a class of manufacturing technologies known as additive manufacturing (AM). This substance will include composite, metal, polymer, or concrete materials. A manufacturing process will need to have the following three main elements to be designated as an AM technique: making visual 3D models with computers and computer-aided design (CAD), utilizing a variety of CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, and others. Some of these programs will be either closed- source or open-source. For additive manufacturing to be successful, an engineer or artist working with several computers will need to be proficient in using multiple operating systems. With these CAD tools and user experiences, it will be possible to produce a variety of complex 3D product models. The amount of material a 3D printer will take and the time it will require will be important factors influencing the additive manufacturing process.