Dimensional Tolerances for Additive Manufacturing: Experimental Investigation for Fused Deposition Modeling

TLDR

Additive manufacturing builds parts layer‑by‑layer without tools, offering many advantages over traditional processes, yet its widespread use is limited by insufficient research into challenges such as geometrical accuracy restrictions. The study aimed to experimentally determine dimensional tolerances using standard FDM parameters. A systematic procedure was established to measure dimensional deviations. Experimental deviations were used to derive dimensional tolerances.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing creates parts in layers without using formative tools. Compared to established manufacturing processes, additive manufacturing offers many advantages. However, only a few research institutions and technology-leading companies use additive manufacturing for end-use part production because relevant challenges have not been sufficiently researched yet. Missing restrictions become apparent in the available geometrical accuracy. The objective of this investigation was the experimental determination of dimensional tolerances using standard parameters. To this end, a methodical procedure was set up. Based on experimentally determined deviations, dimensional tolerances were derived.