Shape accuracy and roughness optimization of a fashion button by utilizing 3D printing

Abstract. Thanks to the simplicity and low cost, the open chamber filament material extrusion process, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), has spread to customized applications in the fashion and textile industries. This work is an experimental optimization of a 3D printed button changing two primary parameters, the printing speed and temperature as predictors and surface and shape accuracy as performance measures. The results were processed with the analysis of means (ANOM), normalized according to the 'min-max' rule and finally optimized utilizing the weighted multi-objective approach and the 'minimum the best' case. Due to the small shape of the button and the wide range of different filament materials, this optimization study is challenging for fashion products where the design and quality are of primary interest. The higher printing temperature (225 ºC) and speed (50 mm/s) optimize the process. This research mainly explores the possibility of producing quality decorative products with FFF 3D printing to widen the avenue of using cost-effective and personalized designs in the fashion industry.