Fused-Deposition (FD) creates parts using robotic extrusion of set.D.i-liquid .polymer
fiber, which molecularly bonds with neighboring fibers via thermal-dlffuslo.n bonding. T~e
strength ofthe. part depends on the bulk polymer strength, themesostructure ~flber layout, vOid
geom~try, extent of fiber bonding), and thefiber-t~-fiber ~ond strength. The ~nfluence of these
factors on the mechanical strength of FD-ABS.plasttc parts IS reported.along with the.FD process
variable settingsfor maximum strength. Substantial increases in transverse strength are achieved
at the optirnal settings and additional increases can be achieved by post..fabrication annealing.
Keywords: Stratasys, fused-deposition, ABSplastic, functional parts, strength, mesostructure, polymer diffusion.Mechanical Engineerin
