Comparison of Mechanical Properties and Form Accuracy in FDM 3D Printing Based on Building Conditions

In this study, we experimentally evaluated the mechanical properties and geometric form accuracy in FDM 3D printing processes based on the printing direction, building direction, and layer thickness. The specimen test results showed that the tensile strength increased by over 33% in the printing direction compared to the direction perpendicular to printing and the tensile strength becomes larger as the layer thickness decreased. Furthermore, the tensile and impact strengths in the building direction were significantly reduced due to the difference in the interlayer joining and bonding strengths of the fused material. Additionally, shrinkage of the material due to phase change induced curl distortion especially in thin and long 3D-printed products, which increased as the layer thickness increased.