INFLUENCE OF THE NOZZLE WEAR ON 3D PRINTING QUALITY

Abstract

This study examines the impact of abrasive materials on the deterioration of the nozzle as the major functional component of the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer. We analysed the impact of wear on nozzle geometry and subsequent extrusion of the filaments. Two nozzle materials were compared: brass and steel nozzle. Abrasive copper reinforced filament was used to produce wear of the nozzle, prior to the printing with the polylactic acid (PLA) filament. Brass nozzle was more prone to wear when extruding abrasive filaments in comparison to the steel nozzle. An analysis of the quality of 3D printed samples from pure PLA, by using new and previously used nozzles was performed. It was shown that abrasive filaments change the nozzle orifice diameter and nozzle height due to wear what greatly affected the dimensional accuracy of the 3D printed PLA samples.