SVKM’S NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University

Mukesh Patel School Of Technology Management and Engineering

Experiment No: 6
Aim: Study the effect of overhang angles on build quality of polylactic acid (PLA) and
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts made using Fused Deposition Modelling

Apparatus: Desktop computer, interface software (Repetier host), FFF 3D Printer.

Procedure:
1) Import the stl file to the 3D Printing interface software.
2) Decide on the orientation of the model.
3) In the interface software, keep the option of “support structure” unchecked

Build specifications:
Sr. No. Specifications
1. Temperature of nozzle PLA: 210 0C, ABS: 245 0C
2. Bed temperature PLA: 60 0C, ABS: 100 0C
3. Max volume per second 12 mm3/s
4. Print speed 60 mm/s
5. Layer thickness 0.5 mm
6. Chamber type Closed
 SVKM’S NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University
Mukesh Patel School Of Technology Management and Engineering

Results:

ABS samples showing smoother surface finish and larger overhang angle as compared to PLA
 SVKM’S NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University
Mukesh Patel School Of Technology Management and Engineering

PLA samples showing degradation of surface quality at the overhang

 SVKM’S NMIMS Deemed-to-be-University
Mukesh Patel School Of Technology Management and Engineering
Conclusions:
Based on the above practical, the methods to improve surface quality of overhangs
include the following:
1. Change orientation to optimal/desirable one in order to avoid or reduce
overhangs
2. Reduce print speed so that the time taken between each filament layer print
increases
3. Decrease the nozzle diameter, since if the nozzle diameter is relatively less, the
weight reduces, and consequently the bending/sagging effect is reduced
4. Increase the number of layers on the outer wall by increasing the shell thickness
in order to avoid the bending of the molten state filament layer
5. Reduce the nozzle temperature since it reduces the required cooling time taken
for each layer
6. Optimizing features during design process itself, such as replacing fillets with
chamfers in order to circumvent the support requirement for overhanging
features
7. Increase the cooling fan speed in order to increase the cooling rate of the molten
layer
8. Split the model and print in multiple parts so that overhanging surfaces get
reduced. The printed sections can be rejoined after printing
9. Control the order of printing of wall in order to influence stability of overhangs
10.By drying filament, you can improve surface quality since it reduces moisture in
filament

The reason why surface quality in ABS is better as compared to PLA revolves around
the fact that the cooling rate of ABS is faster as compared to that of PLA. Apart from
that, the material used also influences the parameters set in Repetier Host, and hence
may influence the surface quality as a result.