A Systematic Method for Assessing the Machine Performance of Material Extrusion Printers

The performance assessment of additive manufacturing (AM) printers is still a challenge since no dedicated standard exists. This paper proposes a systematic method for evaluating the dimensional and geometrical performance of such machines using the concept of machine performance. The method was app...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Laurent Spitaels, Endika Nieto Fuentes, Edouard Rivière-Lorphèvre, Pedro-José Arrazola, François Ducobu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-02-01
Series:Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/8/1/36
Description
Summary:The performance assessment of additive manufacturing (AM) printers is still a challenge since no dedicated standard exists. This paper proposes a systematic method for evaluating the dimensional and geometrical performance of such machines using the concept of machine performance. The method was applied to an Ultimaker 2+ printer producing parts with polylactic acid (PLA). The X and Y axes of the printer were the most performant and led to narrower potential and real tolerance intervals than the Z axis. The proposed systematic framework can be used to assess the performance of any material extrusion printer and its achievable tolerance intervals.
ISSN:2504-4494