Development of a flexible modeling base for additive manufacturing

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a solid-based additive manufacturing technology commonly used for fabricating physical models using materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), investment casting wax, and medical grade ABS. According to experiences in the use of an FDM system, applying glue stick in the smooth glass is necessary. The disadvantages include uneven thickness of glue stick and increase in the cost of the production process. A shovel is needed to remove the three-dimensional (3D) physical models from modeling base. In order to solve these drawbacks, a flexible modeling base was developed for manufacturing PLA and ABS physical models using an FDM system. This modeling base is composed of a transparency film and a silicone rubber sheet that can be used for fabricating physical models repeatedly. In addition, 3D physical models fabricated can be removed easily from the developed modeling base. The developed modeling base is very practical and provides the greatest application potential in the additive manufacturing industry.