Optimization of Fused Deposition Modeling Process Parameters to Achieve Maximum Mechanical Properties Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In this study, the researchers investigated the impact of various parameters, including layer raster angle, infill extrusion width, and layer height, on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus of polylactic acid printed samples. To reduce experimental costs, the Box-Behnken method was employed along with response surface methodology using Minitab software to establish the relationship between input and output variables. The results of the tension test indicated that the raster angle had a significant impact on all three properties. Furthermore, the regression equations showed that changes in infill extrusion width and layer height had a strong effect on tensile strength but had a less significant impact on elongation and Young's modulus. The optimal output parameters were determined to be 38.67 MPa tensile strength, 3.42% elongation, and 1117.47 MPa Young's modulus using input parameters of 10 degree raster angle, 170% infill extrusion width, and 0.2 mm layer height. The study validated the results obtained through experimental testing and concluded that the response surface methodology could predict part properties with high accuracy (less than 6% error) based on input parameters.