Efectos de tratamientos químicos y mecánicos en la rugosidad superficial y el desempeño aerodinámico de perfiles aerodinámicos de ABS fabricados por FDM

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a fabrication technology that offers significant advantages for the wind energy industry, particularly in the areas of product design, prototyping, and manufacturing. However, parts produced via FDM often exhibit a relatively rough surface finish due to the intrinsic layer-by-layer process. This study assessed chemical and mechanical treatments aimed at reducing the surface roughness of airfoils fabricated using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), one of the most widely used polymers in FDM. Surface roughness was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry. Two chemical treatments were evaluated: acetone immersion and acetone vapor exposure. SEM and profilometry revealed crack formation in samples treated by immersion, while vapor exposure resulted in a significantly smoother finish without cracks. Wind tunnel tests demonstrated a 27% increase in the aerodynamic lift-to-drag ratio for airfoils treated with acetone vapor, indicating an improved aerodynamic performance.