Printing parameter optimization of PLA material concerning geometrical accuracy and tensile properties relative to FDM process productivity

High demand for part customization shifts industries toward AM technologies. Part customization in high-volume manufacturing is developed to its limits, whereas low-volume production using AM is still economically unjustified. FDM technology is quite common in low-volume AM production, but the main issue is poor printing parameter optimization which may result in insufficient final part quality. The subject of this paper is the experimental determination of the optimal parameters for the PLA polymer FDM parts, focusing on nozzle temperature and printing speed. Part geometry and mechanical properties are evaluated for the temperature range of 170–210 °C and speeds of 40, 80, and 120 mm/min. Roughness measurements for part geometrical accuracy assessment and tensile tests for mechanical property estimation have shown the clear advantage of 190 °C and 40 mm/min over the other parameter combinations. However, for higher FDM process productivity 80 mm/min speed may also be considered with 190 °C.