Accuracy Improvement in Rapid Prototyping Machine (FDM-1650)

Over the past few years, improvements in equipment, materials, and processes have enabled significant improvements in the accuracy of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. This project will investigate the present in-plane accuracy of a particular FDM machine using the benchmark “User Part” developed by the North American StereoLithography User Group (NASUG) and show the effect of optimal Shrinkage Compensation Factors (SCF) on the accuracy of the prototyped parts. The benchmark parts were built on the FDM-1650 prototyping machine and a total of 46 measurements were taken in the X and Y planes using a Brown & Sharpe Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). The data was then analyzed for accuracy using standard formulas and statistics, such as mean error, standard deviation, residual error, rms error, etc. The optimal SCF for the FDM-1650 machine was found to be 1.007 or 0.7%.