An Optimum Combination of Filament Material and Slicing Software in Improving the Manufacturing Performance of 3D-printed Parts

Abstract

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, creating a layer of material to produce three-dimensional objects from computer models. Specifically for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) that uses filament material, different filament material varies in strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, etc. These factors impact 3D-printed part performance. Apart from filament material, various slicing software that available in the market also influence the manufacturing performance of 3D print parts. Therefore, selecting a correct filament material with suitable slicing software is important. Up to date, the relation between filament materials and slicing software on printed part quality and manufacturing performance is still unknown. Thus, it is necessary to study the manufacturing characteristics of 3D printed parts using different filament materials and slicing software to find the best combinations and parameters for reliable and efficient production of high-quality parts for various applications. This work evaluates relationship between filament and slicing software on the manufacturing performance of 3D printing parts. PLA, ABS, and Nylon as filament material is used. Meanwhile, Ultimaker Cura, PrusaSlicer, and Repetier-Host is used as slicing software. Printed parts are produced according to ASTM D638 Type 1 dimensions. The manufacturing performance were measured based on accuracy of printing time prediction, dimensional accuracy, and surface quality. From the result, each slicing software have advantages and disadvantages when different material used. In general, when using Nylon as filament material, the printing time became shortest regardless slicing software (30.33 minute to 71.33 minute). However, the shortest time printing time can be produce using combination of Repetier-host as slicing software and Nylon as filament material where printing time taken is 30.33 minute. Meanwhile, by using combination of ABS material and Ultimaker Cura, printer will able to produced smoothest surface (2.792 μm). For dimensional accuracy, the most accurate combination was using Repetier-Host and PLA filament (0.03%).