Surrogate Based Sensitivity Analysis of Part Strength due to Process Parameters in Fused Deposition Modelling

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing process where the part is built using a layer by layer approach. The tensile strength of 3D printed parts using FDM depend upon its process parameters. In this paper, three process parameters, namely, layer thickness, raster angle and infill density were considered. Experiments were conducted based on samples generated by Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) to find the tensile strength of printed parts. Based on the experimental response and input parameters, a surrogate model was constructed. Global sensitivity analysis was carried out on the surrogate using Sobol's method to find the parameter variations that affects the strength of parts. Layer thickness has the least effect and infill density has more effect on the tensile strength of FDM parts. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.