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Project # 58
Investigating the Effect of Additive Manufacturing Parameters on Surface Roughness of High-Performance Thermoplastic Components
| Team Lead: | Mohammed Abu-Saqer |
| Other Team Members: | Arina Elyasi | Tiago Teixeira |
| Faculty Advisor(s): | Dr. Julia Bitencourt |
| Department: | IMSE |
| Project Type: | REU |
| Title: | Investigating the Effect of Additive Manufacturing Parameters on Surface Roughness of High-Performance Thermoplastic Components |
| Abstract: | This project investigates how key additive manufacturing process parameters influence the surface roughness of high-performance thermoplastic components fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). Polyetherimide (PEI), a high-temperature engineering polymer, is used due to its industrial relevance and sensitivity to processing conditions. A structured design of experiments (DOE) approach based on a Taguchi L27 orthogonal array is employed to systematically evaluate the effects of nozzle temperature, chamber temperature, printing speed, and material flow rate on surface quality. Test specimens are manufactured using a high-temperature 3D printer, and vibration and environmental data are collected through integrated sensors to support process monitoring and future predictive modeling. Surface roughness measurements will be analyzed to identify significant factors and interactions affecting print quality. The results of this study aim to improve understanding of process–structure relationships in high-performance polymer additive manufacturing and provide practical guidelines for optimizing printing conditions to achieve improved surface finish and part quality. |
| Poster: | View Poster #58 (PDF) |
| Judges Scoring: | Submit Evaluation (judges only) |