Effect of fused deposition modelling process parameters on mechanical properties of 3D printed parts

Purpose This paper aims to explore the effect of bed temperature, primary layer thickness and infill pattern (rectilinear, honeycomb, triangular) on the mechanical properties of tensile strength and bending strength of 3D printed parts. Design/methodology/approach Samples in accordance to various ASTM standards were printed by fused deposition modelling (FDM) method by varying the various input paramaters such as bed temperature, primary layer thickness and infill pattern (rectilinear, honeycomb, triangular). Tensile and bending testing was carried out on the printed parts, and post to the testing, fractography has been carried out using scanning electron microscope. Findings With increase in bed temperature tensile strength and flexural strength first increases then decreases. With the increase in primary layer thickness, tensile strength and flexural strength increase. With regard to infill patterns, triangular and honeycomb exhibit better tensile strength and better flexural strength. Practical implications The 3D printing is increasingly becoming important for manufacturing of engineering parts, determining the process parameters which could result in better mechanical and physical properties shall certainly help designers and manufacturers globally. Originality/value This work elucidates the effect of various process parameters of FDM on tensile and flexural properties of the samples.