Investigations for the Optimization of Visual and Geometrical Properties of Arburg Plastic Freeforming Components

Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) is an additive manufacturing process with which three-dimensional, thermoplastic components can be produced layer by layer. Visual and geometrical properties are a major criterion for characterizing the resulting component quality. The aim of this study was to investigate the influences on visual and geometrical properties of APF components depending on process parameters. Initially the focus was on the analysis of the shrinkage behavior of ABS-M30 (Stratasys). On the basis of the results and an existing procedure by the machine manufacturer, an optimized procedure for determining the scaling factors was developed to counteract the shrinkage. With this procedure a higher dimensional accuracy of the components can be achieved. In addition, it was investigated whether an adaption of the form factor based on a mathematical model depending on the component geometry makes sense. The results were transferred into manufacturing guidelines, which allow the user of the APF-technology to optimize process parameters more efficiently.