Parametric Analysis of the Build Cost for FDM Additive Processed Parts Using Response Surface Methodology

The influence of fused deposition modeling (FDM) process parameters (layer thickness, air gap, raster angle, build orientation, road width, and number of contours) on the processing cost and dimensional error has been investigated in this study using statistical design of experimental approach involving response surface methodology. The most influential parameters are obtained through analysis of variance (ANOVA), which shows that layer thickness, air gap, and number of contours have the largest impact on the part building cost. The optimal process conditions to minimize the build cost are also obtained.