Improved Dimensional Accuracy in 3D Printed Components of PLA Using Taguchi Design of Experiments

Additive manufacturing, and more specifically Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is gaining momentumbecause of its flexible, low-cost, rapid prototyping properties. A disadvantage of the produced part by 3DPis an inherent dimensional difference with respect to designed dimensions of fabricated parts. The presentwork aims to analyse experimental techniques in order to increase the dimensional precision of 3D printedparts. Test samples will be processed under well-controlled conditions, and chosen key dimensions will beextracted with the help of high-resolution metrology tools. The acquired data will be measured, comparedwith the nominal CAD values and statistically analyzed to reveal a correlation of process-parameters aswell as possible correcting-strategies. Results are anticipated to lead to recommendations for improvingdimensional fidelity in AM which will, in turn, make it beneficial for part function and useful in engineeringapplications.