A pilot-study on the influence of fused filament fabrication (FFF) parameters on multiple performance metrics.

Abstract This study examines the key process parameters in the 3D printing of PLA and their influence on different responses. The examined parameters include layer thickness, infill percentage, raster width, build orientation, raster angle, and extrusion temperature. Their impact was evaluated using a fractional factorial design on key essential characteristics such as tensile strength, dimensional capability, surface roughness, and cost-effectiveness. Pareto plots were utilized to identify and prioritize the most influential parameters for each response. The study’s findings showed that layer thickness, infill percentage, and orientation around the x and y axes have a notable impact on all of the observed responses. In contrast, it was found that the angle between two successive layers did not have a significant impact on any of the responses.