Quantitative analysis of a chemical treatment to reduce roughness of parts fabricated using fused deposition modeling

The surface finish of Fused Deposition Modeled (FDM) parts can be improved by performing chemical dipping based on immersion in a dimethylketone-water solution. The authors aim to gain a more in-depth knowledge of this process, by analyzing and comparing the mechanical properties and the surface quality of treated and untreated FDM parts. Tensile and bending mechanical properties have been investigated by designing and performing four Central Composite Designs (CCDs) of experiments, totalizing about two-hundred tests. The results have been verified by testing an FDM marine turbine blade employed to generate energy. (C) 2010 CIRP.