Numerical Investigation of Stiffness Properties of FDM Parts as a Function of Raster Orientation

This work discusses a numerical investigation of stiffness properties of parts printed using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Small volumes of different raster orientations were modelled and meshed using SIMULIATM (Abaqus). These meshes were exported to a damage prediction software BSAM, which uses a homogenization approach to model interface bond strength between adjacent raster beads. In BSAM, boundary conditions, connectivity and material properties have been specified. This BSAM model was then used to compare stiffness properties at various raster angles. A similar trend in the modulus values was observed from experimental test data. Further this model could be used to specify and predict interface properties for the specimens at various raster angles which could be used to eventually predict strength and fracture.Mechanical Engineerin