On recyclability of thermoplastic ABS polymer as fused filament for FDM technique of additive manufacturing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kapil Chawla ◽  
Rupinder Singh ◽  
Jaspreet Singh

Purpose The thermoplastic polymers do not decompose easily due to the presence of long-chain stable polymeric structure, and thus, causes serious effects on the environment. Recycling of these polymer wastes becomes the only solution to minimize their adverse effects on the environment. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of using recycled thermoplastic material as filament for fused deposition modeling technique. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the researchers fabricated fused filaments (in-house) for fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique of additive manufacturing from secondary recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) by using a twin-screw extruder. After measuring the melt flow index of the secondary recycled ABS, the twin-screw extrusion parameters (rpm/speed of the screw, extrusion temperature and load) were varied to predict their influence on the various properties (rheological/mechanical/thermal) of the fabricated filaments. Experimental work was executed as per Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array. Findings Thermal analysis performed to estimate the heat carrying capacity of recycled ABS highlighted that the heat capacity of ABS increases significantly from 0.28 J/g to 3.94 J/g during the heating cycle. The maximum value of peak strength and percentage break elongation for the fused filaments was investigated at 12.5 kg load, 2,250 C extrusion temperature and 70 rpm speed. Originality/value The filaments fabricated by recycling the polymeric waste has been successfully used in the FDM machine for the preparation of the three-dimensional printed tensile specimen.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwakayode Bamiduro ◽  
Gbadebo Owolabi ◽  
Mulugeta A. Haile ◽  
Jaret C. Riddick

Purpose The continual growth of additive manufacturing has increased tremendously because of its versatility, flexibility and high customization of geometric structures. However, design hurdles are presented in understanding the relationship between the fabrication process and materials microstructure as it relates to the mechanical performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of build architecture and microstructure and the effects of load direction on the static response and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) specimens obtained via the fused deposition modeling (FDM) processing technique. Design/methodology/approach Among additive manufacturing processes, FDM is a prolific technology for manufacturing ABS. The blend of ABS combines strength, rigidity and toughness, all of which are desirable for the production of structural materials in rapid manufacturing applications. However, reported literature has varied widely on the mechanical performance due to the proprietary nature of the ABS material ratio, ultimately creating a design hurdle. While prior experimental studies have studied the mechanical response via uniaxial tension testing, this study has aimed to understand the mechanical response of ABS from the materials’ microstructural point of view. First, ABS specimen was fabricated via FDM using a defined build architecture. Next, the specimens were mechanically tested until failure. Then finally, the failure structures were microstructurally investigated. In this paper, the effects of microstructural evolution on the static mechanical response of various build architecture of ABS aimed at FDM manufacturing technique was analyzed. Findings The results show that the rastering orientation of 0/90 exhibited the highest tensile strength followed by fracture at its maximum load. However, the “45” bead direction of the ABS fibers displayed a cold-drawing behavior before rupture. The morphology analyses before and after tensile failure were characterized by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which highlighted the effects of bead geometry (layers) and areas of stress concentration such as interstitial voids in the material during build, ultimately compromising the structural integrity of the specimens. Research limitations/implications The ability to control the constituents and microstructure of a material during fabrication is significant to improving and predicting the mechanical performance of structural additive manufacturing components. In this report, the effects of microstructure on the mechanical performance of FDM-fabricated ABS materials was discussed. Further investigations are planned in understanding the effects of ambient environmental conditions (such as moisture) on the ABS material pre- and post-fabrication. Originality/value The study provides valuable experimental data for the purpose of understanding the inter-dependency between build parameters and microstructure as it relates to the specimens exemplified strength. The results highlighted in this study are fundamental to the development of optimal design of strength and complex ultra-lightweight structure efficiency.


2020 ◽  
pp. 089270572092513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir Kumar ◽  
Rupinder Singh ◽  
TP Singh ◽  
Ajay Batish

This article reports the comparison for mechanical and morphological properties of 3-D printed tensile specimen with fused deposition modeling by using multiblended and hybrid blended polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. The multiblended PLA matrix was 3-D printed as tensile specimen (as per American Society for Testing and Materials 638 type IV) comprising of 06 layers (01 layer PLA + 01 layer of PLA + polyvinyl chloride + 02 layers of PLA + wood powder + 02 layers of PLA + Fe3O4) each with layer thickness of 0.53 mm. The hybrid blended PLA matrix was also 3-D printed with similar dimensions and printing conditions. The composition/proportion of hybrid blended and multimaterial blended matrix has been selected on the basis of similar melt flow index (MFI) range and the final matrix was compared on basis of equal number of layers (06), similar rheological range (MFI: 40–45 g/10 min) and volume of product (same dimension of prototype). The results of study suggested that the 3-D printed functional prototype of multiblended PLA matrix has better mechanical and morphological properties than hybrid blended PLA matrix. The peak strength and break strength of hybrid blend-based prototype were observed to be 29.56 MPa and 26.60 MPa, respectively, whereas for the multimaterial-based functional prototypes, it was 46.28 MPa and 41.65 MPa, respectively. The results are also supported with scanning electron microscopy-based images, 3-D rendered images, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis analysis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian N. Turner ◽  
Scott A Gold

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically review the literature related to dimensional accuracy and surface roughness for fused deposition modeling and similar extrusion-based additive manufacturing or rapid prototyping processes. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review of the literature was carried out by focusing on the relationship between process and product design parameters and the dimensional and surface properties of finished parts. Methods for evaluating these performance parameters are also reviewed. Findings – Fused deposition modeling® and related processes are the most widely used polymer rapid prototyping processes. For many applications, resolution, dimensional accuracy and surface roughness are among the most important properties in final parts. The influence of feedstock properties and system design on dimensional accuracy and resolution is reviewed. Thermal warping and shrinkage are often major sources of dimensional error in finished parts. This phenomenon is explored along with various approaches for evaluating dimensional accuracy. Product design parameters, in particular, slice height, strongly impact surface roughness. A geometric model for surface roughness is also reviewed. Originality/value – This represents the first review of extrusion AM processes focusing on dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. Understanding and improving relationships between materials, design parameters and the ultimate properties of finished parts will be key to improving extrusion AM processes and expanding their applications.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (11) ◽  
pp. 1455-1469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupinder Singh ◽  
Nishant Ranjan

Twin screw extrusion (TSE) is one of the commercially established processes for reinforcement of metallic/nonmetallic/ceramic fillers in polymer matrix for tailor-made applications. In this study, biocompatible feedstock filament has been prepared (in-house) for commercial fused deposition modeling (FDM) setup with biocompatible grade polymers, namely polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene which was reinforced with the hydroxyapatite particles. The process parameters (namely, material composition, rotational speed of TSE, die temperature of TSE, HAp particle grain size, and applied load on TSE) were optimized using Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. In this study, mechanical, thermal, and metallurgical properties have been established, and best-feedstock filament wire for development of partial/complete denture on the FDM with functionally graded surfaces properties has been recommended for future applications.


Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1107
Author(s):  
Jing Tian ◽  
Run Zhang ◽  
Jiayuan Yang ◽  
Weimin Chou ◽  
Ping Xue ◽  
...  

Based on additive manufacturing of wood flour and polyhydroxyalkanoates composites using micro-screw extrusion, device and process parameters were evaluated to achieve a reliable printing. The results show that the anisotropy of samples printed by micro-screw extrusion is less obvious than that of filament extrusion fused deposition modeling. The type of micro-screw, printing speed, layer thickness, and nozzle diameter have significant effects on the performance of printed samples. The linear relationship between the influencing parameters and the screw speed is established, therefore, the performance of printed products can be controlled by the extrusion flow rate related to screw speed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 379-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Che-Chih Tsao ◽  
Ho-Hsin Chang ◽  
Meng-Hao Liu ◽  
Ho-Chia Chen ◽  
Yun-Tang Hsu ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose and demonstrate a new additive manufacturing approach that breaks the layer-based point scanning limitations to increase fabrication speed, obtain better surface finish, achieve material flexibility and reduce equipment costs. Design/methodology/approach The freeform additive manufacturing approach conceptually views a 3D article as an assembly of freeform elements distributed spatially following a flexible 3D assembly structure, which conforms to the surface of the article and physically builds the article by sequentially forming the freeform elements by a vari-directional vari-dimensional capable material deposition mechanism. Vari-directional building along tangential directions of part surface gives surface smoothness. Vari-dimensional deposition maximizes material output to increase build rate wherever allowed and minimizes deposition sizes for resolution whenever needed. Findings Process steps based on geometric and data processing considerations were described. Dispensing and forming of basic vari-directional and vari-dimensional freeform elements and basic operations of joining them were developed using thermoplastics. Forming of 3D articles at build rates of 2-5 times the fused deposition modeling (FDM) rate was demonstrated and improvement over ten times was shown to be feasible. FDM compatible operations using 0.7 mm wire depositions from a variable exit-dispensing unit were demonstrated. Preliminary tests of a surface finishing process showed a result of 0.8-1.9 um Ra. Initial results of dispensing wax, tin alloy and steel were also shown. Originality/value This is the first time that both vari-directional and vari-dimensional material depositions are combined in a new freeform building method, which has potential impact on the FDM and other additive manufacturing methods.


2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian N. Turner ◽  
Robert Strong ◽  
Scott A. Gold

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to systematically and critically review the literature related to process design and modeling of fused deposition modeling (FDM) and similar extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) or rapid prototyping processes. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic review of the literature focusing on process design and mathematical process modeling was carried out. Findings – FDM and similar processes are among the most widely used rapid prototyping processes with growing application in finished part manufacturing. Key elements of the typical processes, including the material feed mechanism, liquefier and print nozzle; the build surface and environment; and approaches to part finishing are described. Approaches to estimating the motor torque and power required to achieve a desired filament feed rate are presented. Models of required heat flux, shear on the melt and pressure drop in the liquefier are reviewed. On leaving the print nozzle, die swelling and bead cooling are considered. Approaches to modeling the spread of a deposited road of material and the bonding of polymer roads to one another are also reviewed. Originality/value – To date, no other systematic review of process design and modeling research related to melt extrusion AM has been published. Understanding and improving process models will be key to improving system process controls, as well as enabling the development of advanced engineering material feedstocks for FDM processes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 773-774 ◽  
pp. 3-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasuha Sa'ude ◽  
Khairu Kamarudin ◽  
Mustaffa Ibrahim ◽  
Mohd Halim Irwan Ibrahim

This paper presents the melt flow index (MFI) of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and recycle ABS filament wire for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machine. In this study, the effect of MFI on recycle ABS material was investigated experimentally based on the melting temperature, density, screw speed and material properties. The MFI result on ABS recycle in wire filament was investigated using Melt Indexer Machine (MIM). Based on the result obtained, it was found that, ABS recycle was increase the density and MFI results. It can be observed that, the higher temperature was melt the recycle ABS material through the MIM and extruder machine.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1455-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rupinder Singh ◽  
Ranvijay Kumar ◽  
IPS Ahuja

Purpose This study aims to highlights the mechanical, thermal and melting behavior compatibility of aluminum (Al)-reinforced polyamide (PA) 6/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based functional prototypes prepared using fused deposition modeling (FDM) from the friction welding point of view. Previous studies have highlighted the use of metallic/non-metallic fillers in polymer matrix for preparations of mechanically improved FDM feedstock filaments and functional prototypes. But hitherto, very less has been reported on fabrication of functional prototypes which fulfill the compatibility of two polymers for joining/welding-based applications. The compatibility of two dissimilar polymers enables the friction welding for maintenance applications. Design/methodology/approach The twin screw extrusion process has been used for mechanical mixing of metallic reinforcement in polymer matrix, and final blend of reinforced polymers in the form of extruded feed stock filament has been used on FDM for printing of functional prototypes (for friction welding). The methodology involves melt flow index (MFI) investigations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations for thermal properties, tensile and hardness testing for mechanical properties and photo micrographic investigations for metallurgical properties on extruded samples. Findings It was observed that the reinforced ABS and PA6 polymers have better compatibility in the terms of similar melt flow, thermal properties and can lead to the better joint efficiency with friction welding. Originality/value In the present work composite feed stock filament composed of ABS and PA6 with reinforcement of Al powder has been successfully developed for preparation of functional prototype in friction welding applications.


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