Improving the forming quality of fused filament fabrication parts by applied vibration

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficiency of applied vibration in improving the forming quality (mechanical property and dynamics characteristics) of fused filament fabrication (FFF) parts. Design/methodology/approach A vibrating FFF three-dimensional printer was set up, with which the samples fabricated in different directions were manufactured separately without and with vibration applied. A series of experimental tests, including tensile tests, dynamics tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests, were performed on these samples to experimentally quantify the effect of applied vibration on their forming quality. Findings It has been found that the applied vibration can significantly increase the tensile strength and plasticity of the samples built in Z-direction, and obviously decrease the orthogonal anisotropy. It can also significantly change the sample’s natural frequency, decrease the resonant response and increase the modal damping ratio, thus improve the anti-vibration capability of FFF samples. In addition, the SEM analysis confirmed that applying vibration into FFF process could improve the forming quality of the fabricated part. Research limitations/implications Future research may be focused on investigating the efficiency of applied vibration in improving the forming quality of parts fabricated by the other additive manufacturing techniques. Practical implications This study helps to improve the reliability of FFF parts and extend the application range of FFF technology. Originality/value A novel method to improve the forming quality of FFF parts is provided and the available information about the performance of dynamics characteristics.

A Review on Reinforcement Methods for Polymeric Materials Processed Using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

“…It is also reported from this study that the use of a vibrating nozzle could also slightly increase the elastic modulus of the printed material from 2.5 ± 0.1 GPa to 2.7 ± 0.1 GPa [76]. Similarly, Jiang et al reported an increased tensile strength of PLA of 50% once this material was printed along a z orientation using a vibrating nozzle [77].…”

Improving the surface quality of material extrusion additive manufacturing parts by using ultrasonic‐vibration machining

“…The finite element analysis showed that the SR was obviously reduced. Jiang et al 15 found that using vibration machining could enhance the ME parts' forming quality (both mechanical and dynamic properties), but the impact on the surface quality was not taken into consideration. Wang et al 16 performed SR tests on ME parts in different printing directions.…”

Theoretical and Computational Analysis on the Melt Flow Behavior of Polylactic Acid in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing under Vibration Field

“…Similarly, applying vibration into the process of ME has a great potential to improve the MFB, and thereby enhance the forming quality of ME parts. However, few scholars have proposed this concept at present [22,23], and little corresponding information (either theoretical or experimental data) is available. To cover this gap, this paper establishes a dynamic model of the MFB (DMMFB) to analyze the pressure drop, shear stress and apparent viscosity in the ME liquefier without and with different vibrations applied.…”