Surface roughness investigation and prediction models for poly-jet 3D printed parts

Among the many Layered Manufacturing (LM) processes, the poly-jet 3D printing system uses drop on demand ink-jet technology to produce prototype as well as the functional components in polymers. The functional performance and aesthetic appearance of these LM parts is affected by the surface roughness. Process parameters such as layer thickness, print resolution, and build orientation are important factors affecting the surface finish of poly-jet LM components. In this study the authors have studied the variation of surface roughness with build orientation for the poly-jet process for varied process conditions experimentally and also compared the same with some theoretical models available in literature. A surface roughness prediction model for poly-jet 3D printed parts is proposed based these studies.