Optimization of the FDM Processing Parameters on the Compressive Properties of ABS Objects for the Production of High-Heeled Shoes

Abstract

The influence of 3D printing parameters on compressive properties is an important factor in the application of additive manufacturing processes for products subjected to compressive loads in use. In this study, the compressive strength and compressive modulus of acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) test specimens fabricated using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process were investigated with the aim of producing products of high-heeled shoes for women. The experimental part of the study includes a central composite experimental design to optimize the main 3D printing parameters (layer thickness, infill density, and extrusion temperature) and the infill geometry (honeycomb and linear at a 45° angle—L45) to achieve maximum printing properties of the 3D-printed products. The results show that the infill density has the greatest influence on the printing properties, followed by the layer thickness and, finally, the extrusion temperature as the least influential factor. The linear infill at a 45° angle resulted in higher compressive strength and lower compressive modulus values compared to the honeycomb infill. By optimizing the results, the maximum compressive strength (that of L45 is 41 N/mm2 and that of honeycomb 35 N/mm2) and modulus (that of L45 is 918 N/mm2 and that of honeycomb is 868 N/mm2) for both types of infill is obtained at a layer thickness of 0.1 mm and infill density of 40%, while the temperature for L45 can be in the range of 209 °C to 254 °C, but for the honeycomb infill, the processing temperature is 255 °C. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for sustainable manufacturing practices and the integration of advanced 3D printing technologies to enhance the efficiency and eco-friendliness of the production process.