| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to better define how quality in terms of surface quality, dimensional accuracy, consistency/repeatability, and total build time vary based upon 3D printers in different cost levels. One FDM printer was chosen at cost levels of entry level, intermediate level, and commercial level. A test block with various raised and recessed geometrical shapes was printed on each printer to analyze average surface roughness, dimensional accuracy, consistency/repeatability and total print time. When comparing the results, the most significant advantage with increased printer cost was the decrease in total print time. The commercial level printer, the Fortus 450, had a decrease in total build time to less than a fifth of the intermediate level printer, the 3D Platform printer. The 3D Platform decreased build time by nearly half as compared to the entry level printer, the MakerBotz 18s. Dimensional accuracy did not vary significantly between the printers, but the Fortus 450 did show the best consistency and repeatability. As far as surface roughness, the least rough measurements were taken on the test block side in the direction of increased layer height, while the measurements taken on the test block bottom/top in the direction parallel to the printer build plate, were roughest. When comparing surface roughness by printer there was not significant difference, but the Fortus 450 visually showed more consistent surface quality with minimal or no gap in the filament beads and also showed very consistent surface roughness measurements in three directions. Based upon the results when choosing a 3D printer as the cost increases, the driving factors appear to be total print time and consistency in accuracy and surface quality but in general, the best printer to choose is based upon how cost, surface quality, dimensional accuracy, consistency/repeatability, and total print time are ranked based upon the project. | en_US |
