A Brief Review of Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties of Fused Deposition Modelling Part

Abstract

The mechanical properties of Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) parts are the most common indicator used to define its potential for a specific application. The reasons behind the low strength of FDM printed part or in relative it is not strong enough as conventionally manufactured countered part is an anisotropic characteristic due to the existent of voids between deposition line as well as low strength of thermoplastic material itself. This paper reviews the factors influencing mechanical properties of FDM part from various aspects including, the development of new material as FDM filament, process parameters optimization, process parameter adjustment, and other methods for achieving better mechanical properties of FDM parts. It was found that, the limit for FDM applications are due to limitation of material available for filament feedstock and the nature of FDM process that introduced voids between lines. In additions the review shows that the majority of research in FDM parameter is about the cause and effect relationship, but lack of research to relate this effect to the mechanism that control the bond formation.