Effect of processing parameters on mechanical properties of FDM filament prepared on single screw extruder

Abstract

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) using Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer as filament is gaining a distinct advantage in manufacturing industries because of its ability to manufacture parts with complex shapes without any tooling requirement and human interface. Present research work aims to develop an alternative FDM filament using nylon 6, Al powder, and Al2O3 powder, which is to be used in existing original equipment manufacturer (OEM) FDM system without changing hardware/software of the system. Taguchi L9, orthogonal array approach, has been used to study the effect of input process parameters, i.e., proportions of filament ingredient, barrel temperature, and die temperature on mechanical properties of filament developed. Proportions of filament ingredients are found to have a significant effect on tensile strength, Young's modulus, and percentage elongation. The required filament has been successfully developed, having more improved properties. The resulting composite filament prepared by extrusion was found to work well with an FDM machine.