Implementation of Taguchi and Genetic Algorithm Techniques for Prediction of Optimal Part Dimensions for Polymeric Biocomposites in Fused Deposition Modeling

Abstract

Additive manufacturing has gained popularity among material scientists, researchers, industries, and end users due to the flexible, low cost, and simple manufacturing process. Among number of techniques, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most recognized technology due to easy operation, lower environmental degradation, and portable apparatus. Despite numerous advantages, the limitations of this technique are poor surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical strength, which must be improved. The present study focuses on the implementation of the genetic algorithm and Taguchi techniques to achieve minimum dimensional variability of FDM parts especially for polymeric biocomposites. The output has been measured using standard testing techniques followed by Taguchi and genetic algorithm analyses. Four response variables were measured and were converted into single variable with combination of different weightages of each response. Maximum weightage was given to width of FDM polymeric biocomposite parts which may play critical role in biomedical and aerospace applications. The advanced optimization and production techniques have yielded promising results which have been validated by advanced algorithms. It was found that layer thickness and orientation angle were significant parameters which influenced the dimensional accuracy whereas best fitness value was 0.377.

Effect of Marble Dust on the Mechanical, Morphological, and Wear Performance of Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Structural Applications

“…We observed that the size of WMP particles differs and varies as per the range stated earlier. This distribution was also observed to be almost homogeneous to comply with the mixing phenomena that was performed during the fabrication [ 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ].…”

“…This happened due to the high load bearing capability of both basalt and WMP. WMP acted as a connecting chain between the basalt fibre and epoxy resin promoting transfer of stress, which led to high deformation before fracture [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Moreover, large amount of dislocation formation due to the inclusion of WMP in the composite resulted in higher energy absorption.…”

“…The formation of wear debris that was observed at 10 wt. % WMP might result from an accumulation of WMP leading to high stress concentration [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 ].…”

Process parameter modelling and optimization techniques applied to fused deposition modelling: A review

“…Specifically, it played a pivotal role in optimizing a myriad of process parameters. These encompassed layer thickness [66][67][68][69], orientation angle [66,67,69], raster angle [66,67,69], raster width [66,67,69], printing temperature [68], infill pattern [68], slice thickness [70], road width [70], liquefier temperature [70], and air gap [67,69,70]. The overarching aim was to minimize dimensional variability [67], reduce build time [71] , enhance accuracy [71], refine surface roughness [70], and meticulously control porosity [70] in FDM parts.…”

A Comprehensive Review on the Optimization of the Fused Deposition Modeling Process Parameter for Better Tensile Strength of PLA-Printed Parts

“…Researchers use di erent optimization techniques like response surface methodology (RSM) [35], Taguchi method [36], full factorial [36] and fractional factorial [37], Gray relation [38], arti cial neural network (ANN) [39], fuzzy logic [40], genetic algorithm [41], and more others to optimize a number of the process parameters for improving tensile properties. It is also essential to be able to forecast how the parts will perform when applied to mechanical loads to assess their appropriateness for a given application.…”