Effect of varying spatial orientations on build time requirements for FDM process: A case study

In this research, effect of varying spatial orientations on the build time requirements for fused deposition modelling process is studied. Constructive solid geometry cylindrical primitive is taken as work piece and modeling is accomplished for it. Response surface methodology is used to design the experiments and obtain statistical models for build time requirements corresponding to different orientations of the given primitive in modeller build volume. Contour width, air gap, slice height, raster width, raster angle and angle of orientation are treated as process parameters. Percentage contribution of individual process parameter is found to change for build time corresponding to different spatial orientations. Also, the average of build time requirement changes with spatial orientation. This paper attempts to clearly discuss and describe the observations with an aim to develop a clear understanding of effect of spatial variations on the build time for Fused Deposition Modelling process. This work is an integral part of process layout optimization and these results can effectively aid designers specially while tackling nesting issues.