Effect of process parameters on impact strength and hardness of FDM printed ABS parts

Fused deposition modelling, an additive manufacturing (AM) process, helps in manufacturing complex components that are influenced by the various process parameters. The main objective is to experimentally evaluate the Shore D hardness and Izod impact of 3D-printed test specimens. Using a 3D printer, the test specimens are manufactured. The test specimens were manufactured taking into account various printing factors such as printing orientation, printing pattern, and infill density. The specimens were produced with three printing orientations (edge, vertical, and flat), four infill patterns (grid, rectilinear, honeycomb, and cubic), and an infill density range of 20% to 100%. For 60% infill density, cubic infill structure, and edge printing orientation, the highest impact strength is obtained (2,024 J/m) and a Shore D hardness of 45.7, and for 40% infill density, honeycomb infill structure, and edge printing orientation, the lowest impact strength is obtained (203 J/m), with a hardness of 42.8 on the Shore D scale. The study shows that the Izod impact strength and Shore D hardness of FDM-printed ABS items are affected by process parameters.