STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Process Capability Optimization of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Printed Parts in Fused Deposition Modeling Process

  1. Rupesh Chalisgaonkar Department of Mechanical Engineering, MEDICAPS University, Indore
  2. Deepak Kumar Yaduvanshi Department of Mechanical Engineering, MEDICAPS University, Indore
  3. Shyam Kumar Birla Department of Mechanical Engineering, MEDICAPS University, Indore
  4. Pardeep Kumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala
  5. Vipin Kumar Sharma Department of Mechanical Engineering, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Meerut

Abstract

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing process requires precise printed dimensions with a special assessment of process parameters using Taguchi optimization methodology. The proposed research aims to determine the optimal parametric setting to maximize the process capability index of diametral deviation and roundness of product in 3D printing process of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). The input factors for printing TPU in this research include the extrusion temperature, cooling fan speed, infill density, and infill pattern. The geometric fidelity of TPU printed parts must be maintained due to its viscoelastic nature. The parametric optimization should be performed for printing dimensionally stable parts. The L9 Taguchi orthogonal array was used as a set of experiments for selecting the best parametric setting using signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. The outcome of this investigation shed light on how the infill pattern and infill density affect the printed specimen's roundness and dimensional deviation, respectively. As the TPU is majorly used in aerospace industries, automotive industries, medical industries, and toy industries, the proposed work will provide benefit to achieve the accurate printed parts used to make the product. The outcome of this study could be useful to enhance sustainability in manufacturing by decreasing part rejections and subsequently energy saving and reducing the material wastage.

Keywords

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