Mechanical Properties of FDM Fabricated PLA Parts: Effect of 3D Printing Parameter Optimization Using Taguchi Method

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a technique in constructing components from a CAD model to a finished product. This is done by depositing molten material at a specific coordinate and height. This is done continuously until the finished product has been produced. Both FDM and PLA are well-known technology and material in the AM field. Optimizing the parameters will surely provide a good reach for hobbyists, researchers, and academicians. Optimization is a process concerned with the identification of the best possible value/condition for a certain parameter. Most research papers optimize a response/factor at a time given that less than five parameters are being studied. This paper aims to optimize three mechanical properties such as strength, elongation, and modulus of elasticity. This response was optimized through seven (7) benchmark parameters conducted in mixed levels (a combination of two and three levels). This paper was able to identify the optimum level per parameter, provide insight into the significant contributors affecting the target responses, and lastly, provide a contour plot to serve as a reference of AM end-users.