A study of parametric calibration for low cost 3D printing: Seeking improvement in dimensional quality

Publication date: 5 December 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 135
Author(s): Leonardo Santana, Jorge Lino Alves, Aurélio da Costa Sabino Netto
Open source projects have helped extrusion-based Additive Manufacturing processes gain popularity in recent years. While they allow the design and development of low cost machines, one of the main difficulties users have found is the parametric calibration. A study was proposed to understand the best practices for the setup of "input parameters", since in the open software chain there are many available for setup. Through experimental design methods, the dimensional accuracy of a cubic structure was analysed by varying factors such as: slicing software, layer thickness, infill density, first layer, infill and perimeter speeds, as well as extrusion temperature and multiplier. A Prusa I3 Hephestos printer and a Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament were used, and the parts were evaluated with contact measurement, 3D scanning and mass measurement procedures. Statistical analysis showed that the dimensional accuracy of the components was mostly affected by the infill density and the extrusion multiplier. Both parameters highlight the influence of the slicing software on the planning and quality of the models. Instabilities in the amount and flow of material, characterized by excess deposition, were responsible for the distortions along the three fundamental directions of the cubes.

Graphical abstract

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