A Characterization of 3D Printability

Abstract: Additive manufacturing technologies are positioned to provide an unprecedented innovative transformation in how products are designed and manufactured. Due to differences in the technical specifications of AM technologies, the final fabricated parts can vary significantly from the original CAD models, therefore raising issues regarding accuracy, surface finish, robustness, mechanical properties, functional and geometrical constraints. Various researchers have studied the correlation between AM technologies and design rules. In this work we propose a novel approach to assessing the capability of a 3D model to be printed successfully (a.k.a printability) on a specific AM machine. This is utilized by taking into consideration the model mesh complexity and certain part characteristics. A printability score is derived for a model in reference to a specific 3D printing technology, expressing the probability of obtaining a robust and accurate end result for 3D printing on a specific AM machine. The printability score can be used either to determine which 3D technology is more suitable for manufacturing a specific model or as a guide to redesign the model to ensure printability. We verify this framework by conducting 3D printing experiments for benchmark models which are printed on three AM machines employing different technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Binder Jetting (3DP), and Material Jetting (Polyjet).