Improving the Accuracy and Precision of the Fused Deposition Modelling Additive Manufacturing Technology

附加制造(AM)由于其几何自由度和通用性，是传统制造技术的一种有吸引力的替代方案。熔融沉积成型是一种成本相对较低的AM，它能够通过逐层挤压来产生复杂的特征，但它通常具有质量差的特点。因此，本项目研究如何通过评估和修改现有机制来提高熔融工艺的尺寸、几何精度和重复性(精确度)。这些机制包括通过挤出方法表征的细丝行为，一套减少零件设计错误的设计规则，以及考虑到细丝水平行为的切片软件的修订。还设想对目前的设备设置进行调整，如喷嘴定位和对参数优化的实验调查，以澄清零件生成中的错误和不准确。

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an attractive alternative to conventional manufacturing techniques due to its geometric freedom and versatility. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a relatively low cost form of AM, which is able to produce complex features via layer-by-layer extrusion, however, it is commonly characterised by poor quality. Thus, this project investigates how the dimensional, geometrical accuracy, and repeatability (precision) of the FDM process could be improved through the evaluation and modifications of its current mechanisms. These mechanisms include the filament behaviour characterised via the extrusion method, a set of design rules to reduce errors in part design, and revision of the slicing software that takes in to account the filament level behaviour. It is also envisaged that adjustments to the current equipment set-up, such as nozzle positioning and an experimental investigation into parameter optimisation will also be undertaken to elucidate errors and inaccuracies in part generation.