An Investigation on Achieving Sustainability in Fused Deposition Modeling via Topology Optimization

Abstract

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the important additive layer manufacturing techniques, used to fabricate products from heated polymer materials. Like other manufacturing processes, sustainability interventions are desirable in FDM to attain energy and resource efficiency simultaneously with good product quality. This paper reports the results of investigation conducted by the authors on effect of topology optimization strategy on quality of FDM parts and sustainability of the process. A total of eighteen experiments have been conducted by varying infill pattern and density at three levels each for optimized and unoptimized topology, based on Taguchi L18 technique. Statistical fitness of the data has been insured by ANOVA. Both infill density and pattern have been found the significant parameters. Better mechanical strength has been obtained for topology optimized FDM parts. A set of confirmation experiments have been conducted followed by quantification of sustainability and indicated that improved mechanical properties simultaneously with enhanced sustainability can be achieved via topology optimization in FDM process