Comparison of 3D Printout Quality from FDM and MSLA Technology in Unit Production

Abstract

The paper presents research on the comparison of printouts from two different additive technologies: FDM and MSLA. Two printers were from the same producer. The paper describes the successive steps of the research and the final results. The study was carried out to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the FDM and MSLA technologies, as well as their suitability for use in unit and hobby production. The research consists of the following steps: conceptualization and design of 3D models (in Autodesk Fusion 360 2.0.12670 software), development of the survey questionnaire, expert selection, setting the printing parameters for two printers, printing process, evaluation of the printouts, and finally calculating and analyzing surveys results. The authors designed eight models; therefore, they get sixteen printouts that were the subject of comparison for experts. All cube-based models were symmetric about point, axis, and plane. The research included ten experts who were chosen on the basis of specific criteria. The research was referring to unit production. The symmetrical layout of each model on the 3D printer worktable was to verify the operation of the nozzle of this machine in relation to all axes. Moreover, the symmetry of the models made it possible to check the quality of the printouts on each side in three planes. The sum of all collected data from the surveys was 2400.

Symmetry and Its Application in Metal Additive Manufacturing (MAM)

“…This application has not been observed to be very widespread, but we believe that it can be very useful, for example, to make a comparative study between additive manufacturing techniques of metallic material. This was the case in a previous study [60], although not applied to metallic materials, in which fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology was compared with masked stereolithography (MSLA). The symmetry of the models allowed them to check the quality of the prints on each side in three planes.…”

“…Figure 5. Geometrically designed models used to carry out the studies of the different techniques [60] Similarly, an earlier study [61] used symmetry optimization by conveniently using a quarter-symmetry test piece to perform a temperature distribution study based on variable lattice density optimization in additive manufacturing using powder bed fusion. This allowed them to obtain simplified and earlier results.…”

Design and simulation of a nozzle-mask for optical fiber 3D-printing

“…Therefore, it is possible to additively manufacture an optical structure of only up to 500 µm thickness using FDM and 250 µm thickness using SLA process. 3 Moreover, the support structure and adhesion of the printed structure on build platform is also accountable for the overall thickness of the finished prototype. Some Other AM processes for manufacturing of optical components are namely Material Jetting and Inkjetting where the resolution or Z-layer thickness lies in the range of 15 µm and X-Y thickness in the range of 50 µm, therefore the smallest structure possible to manufacture is of up to 50 µm thickness.…”

A Comprehensive Mechanical Examination of ABS and ABS-like Polymers Additively Manufactured by Material Extrusion and Vat Photopolymerization Processes

“…In this study, FDM, SLA, and DPL printers were used to produce standardized specimens for mechanical testing. FDM, SLA, and DLP 3D printing processes have been studied separately and comparatively in terms of the processes themselves and the properties of the manufactured parts and their behavior [13][14][15][16][17][18]. As the capabilities and applications of 3D printing become more diverse, the study of different materials and their properties continues to increase and expand.…”