Prediction and analysis of sliding wear performance of fused deposition modelling-processed ABS plastic parts

Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is gaining distinct advantage in manufacturing industries because of their ability to manufacture parts with complex shapes without any tooling requirement and human interface. The properties of FDM-built parts exhibit high dependence on process parameters and can be improved by setting parameters at suitable levels. Resistance to wear is an important consideration for enhancing the service life of functional parts. Hence, the present work focuses on an extensive study to understand the effect of five important parameters such as layer thickness, part build orientation, raster angle, raster width, and air gap on the sliding wear of test specimen. Microphotographs are used to explain the mechanism of wear. The study not only provides insight into complex dependency of wear on process parameters but also develops a statistically validated predictive equation. The equation can be used by the process planner for accurate wear prediction in practice.