Prediction of the Influence of Printing Parameters on the Residual Stress Using Numerical Simulation

Fused Deposition Modeling is an additive manufacturing technology that is used to create a wide range of parts and applications. Along with its benefits, there are some challenges regarding the printed parts’ mechanical properties, which are associated with printing parameters like layer thickness, printing speed, infill density, printing temperature, bed temperature, infill pattern, chamber temperature, and printing orientation. One of the most crucial challenges in additive manufacturing technology is the residual stress, which significantly affects the parts like fatigue life, cracks propagation, distortions, dimensional accuracy, and corrosion resistance. Residual stress is hard to detect in the components and sometimes is costly to investigate. Printing specimens with different parameters costs money and is time-consuming. In this work, numerical simulation using Digimat-AM software was employed to predict and minimize the residual stress in printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene material using Fused Deposition Modeling technology. The printing was done by choosing six different printing parameters with three values for each parameter. The results showed a significant positive correlation between residual stress and printing temperature and infill percentage and a negative correlation with layer thickness and printing speed. At the same time, we found no effect of the bed temperature on the residual stress. Finally, the minimum residual stress was obtained with a concentric infill pattern.