Significant factors in the dimensional accuracy of fused deposition modelling

This project investigated the dimensional accuracy of parts produced using the rapid prototyping method of fused deposition modelling (FDM). Parts with six features common to products were created on a Stratasys FDM2000 out of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and then measured with a coordinate measurement machine and digital micrometers. An analysis of 12 different dimensions on parts produced using FDM identified that part size, location in the work envelope, and envelope temperature had a significant effect on the dimensional accuracy of FDM.