Optimising 3D Print Parameters for L-Joint Strength Using Taguchi Method

Additive manufacturing offers advantages such as reduced waste and cost-effectiveness, and its use is increasing in industries such as aerospace and automotive. One of the additive manufacturing methods, fused deposition modelling (FDM), has a wide range of applications. This study investigated the effects of printing parameters on the strength of L-joints made using FDM. Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and recyclable material, was used to produce L-joints. The study analyses the effects of three printing parameters: nozzle temperature, filling ratio, and printing pattern. Taguchi method was used to optimise these parameters, and then ANOVA (analysis of variance) was performed to determine their contributions to the joint strength. Optimum values were obtained at 210°C nozzle temperature, 70% filling rate and zigzag pattern. The results show that the printing pattern and filling ratio significantly affect the strength of the joint, while nozzle temperature has less effect. The zigzag printing pattern and higher filling rate (70%) provided the strongest joints, reaching a maximum force of 358.4 N during tensile tests. The study concluded that optimising 3D printing parameters is very important to increase the strength and quality of printed joints.