Temperature Evaluation and Bonding Quality of Large Scale Additive Manufacturing Thin Wall Parts

In this study, thermal evaluation of ABS polymer thin wall part fabricated by large scale additive manufacturing is presented. The cooling of single bead layers, the interface temperature and the effect of adjacent top layer on the temperature of the previous layer were investigated. The experimentally measured temperatures were compared one dimensional heat transfer model of a single filament. The measured temperature values are in general agreement with the model until the adjacent top layer is going to be deposited. While the interface temperature was below the glass transition temperature at the beginning of the process, it was gradually increased with additional layers. The tension tests carried out using the specimens which were cut parallel and perpendicular to the building directions, showed mechanical anisotropy of the printed sample. The interlayer strength is about the half of the longitudinal strength of the printed sample, although interface temperature between adjacent layers was above the glass transition temperature and subsequent rolling was performed.