Design of experiments-based analysis of operating parameters in small-scale clay 3D printing

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the precise and customized fabrication of complex geometries. Among its applications, 3D clay printing is gaining attention in construction, art, and architecture; however, it faces significant challenges related to structural stability, rheological behavior, and process parameter optimization. Key factors such as printing layer height, printing speed, and material properties critically influence the quality of printed parts, often resulting in defects like cracking and warping. This study uses a design of experiments (DoE) methodology to evaluate the effects of the parameters on the quality of 3D-printed clay objects. The analysis identifies optimal parameter settings that reduce dimensional defects, particularly in final thickness ratios. The optimal parameters for printing were set to layer height (A), printing speed (B), nozzle diameter (C), and material preparation time (D), being 0.3 mm, 25 mm/s, 13 mm, and 1 hour, respectively. Results show that optimized configurations enhance both dimensional accuracy and mechanical stability. These findings contribute to the standardization of small-scale 3D clay printing, offering valuable insights for academic research and industrial implementation.