Pattern Development for Manufacturing Applications with Fused Deposition Modelling – A Case Study

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the suitability of fused deposition modelling (FDM), for the production of a pattern that can be used in direct manufacturing applications. In this work, the benchmark was identified and its best part orientation in a FDM machine was located through experimentation. Control charts and process capability histogram were drawn to assess the process capability of the FDM process. The micro hardness of the prepared sample was measured to check the suitability of the process for investment casting applications. Further dimensional accuracy of patterns was established by IT grades as per the ISO standard UNI EN 20286-I (1995). It was observed that the performance indices for all the dimensions in the present study are greater than 1. The study of photo micrographs using SEM gave an insight into the properties of the component (produced by FDM). This study highlights that the  tolerance grades for ABS plastics are consistent with the permissible range of tolerance grades as per the ISO standard UNI EN 20286-I (1995) and DIN16901 standard.